PUTRAJAYA: A special session of Parliament has been scheduled for May 5 to discuss the United States’ proposed reciprocal tariffs, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed.
The Prime Minister said this following a news report by a local daily quoting sources saying all MPs would be given the opportunity to debate the issue.
When asked by reporters, “Is it true there will be a special sitting of Parliament?”, the Prime Minister responded briefly but affirmatively, “Yes, yes.”
To a follow-up question, “The fifth, Datuk Seri?”, he replied, “Yes.”
Anwar said this when speaking to the media after attending the Prime Minister’s Department’s Hari Raya celebration here yesterday.
The special Parliament session is expected to provide a platform for both government and opposition MPs to debate Malaysia’s position on the matter.
Sin Chew Daily recently reported that the Dewan Rakyat is expected to hold a special sitting on May 5 to focus on the issue of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on its trading partners.
Quoting sources, the report said the Prime Minister’s Office has issued a notice regarding the meeting and is currently awaiting an official announcement from Anwar.
However, MPs have yet to receive formal letters of notification on the matter, according to the report.
It was reported earlier that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will visit Washington DC tomorrow for a two-day trip.
During this visit, he is scheduled to meet with representatives from the United States Trade Representative and other relevant government officials to discuss the proposed reciprocal tariffs.
As Asean chair, Malaysia will also take the opportunity to state Asean’s position on the tariff issue, emphasising its belief in a rules-based global trading system as well as the principles of multilateralism in trade.
US President Donald Trump on April 2 announced that his country would introduce a basic tariff of 10% to all countries and a higher duty involving several countries, including Malaysia, which is imposed 24%.
Tengku Zafrul recently said that the Malaysian delegation would take this opportunity to engage with various chambers of commerce, businesses and interest groups to explain Malaysia’s position and current situation, as well as the Cabinet’s feedback.
He emphasised that the visit is not intended for negotiations but to discuss how Malaysia can play a significant role in the supply chain between Asia and the United States.
