MELAKA: Malaysia is engaging senior figures close to US President Donald Trump to initiate discussions over the 24% tariffs on Malaysian exports to the country, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I have personally reached out to individuals who have strong connections with Trump,” he said.
He said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan received a phone call on Friday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with both parties agreeing to continue negotiations.
Anwar also said he would engage his counterparts in China, Japan and South Korea to formulate a collective response to the US tariffs.
“President Trump is doing this in the best interest of the US economy. We must find a way to defend our nation’s economic interests, as these directly affect our people’s employment, education, healthcare, wealth and the country’s revenue capabilities,” he said during the Madani Hari Raya celebration in Ayer Keroh yesterday.
Anwar said Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia alone would not be strong enough unless the full strength of Asean is harnessed to reinforce respective economies.
“We must acknowledge the possibility of some disruption to economic growth we have so carefully planned,” he said.
On Wednesday, Trump imposed tariffs on Malaysia along with about 180 other countries, triggering concern over the impact on global trade.
Anwar said that no country affected by the new reciprocal tariffs could afford to remain passive in the face of threats to its economic interests.
However, he expressed confidence that there is room for negotiation and diplomacy.
“We must not act hastily, especially when the full scope and implications of the tariffs are still unclear.
“Therefore, it is crucial that negotiations are pursued, and our economic rights defended, to find a resolution to this uncertain global trade landscape,” he said.
