IPOH: Malaysia needs to strengthen its alliances, particularly within Asean and with other international partners, to enhance domestic capacity and build public confidence in the country's ability to be self-reliant, despite facing tariffs imposed by the United States (US), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He pointed out that Malaysia's strength and resilience should be built on the growing networks and relationships between regional countries, Asia and emerging European markets.
"With the tariff announcement by US President Donald Trump, should we simply complain, or should we be proactive and do something about it?
"The most important thing is to build our domestic capacity and instill confidence among the people that we can stand on our own, that we can grow with our strength, leveraging the expanding networks within Asean, Asia, China, India, Australia, Japan, Korea and by opening new markets in Europe."
Anwar made these remarks at the launch of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport upgrading work here on Friday (April 25), which was attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Prime Minister said that those matters were also discussed during consultations and negotiations with Asean leaders, as well as during the recent state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that several international leaders, including President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, are scheduled to make official visits to Malaysia soon.
As Malaysia takes on the role of Chairman of Asean for 2025, Anwar stated that he has also discussed strategies to expand markets and boost domestic tourism with key figures such as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan through online meetings.
"One of the key discussions within Asean is how we can boost intra-Asean tourism. We must compete by improving our facilities, infrastructure, and the efficiency of our officials," he said.
On April 2, President Trump announced a series of reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including a 24% tariff on imports from Malaysia, which has been postponed for 90 days. – Bernama
