Get message across clearly

Master of chaos: Trump announcing the ‘reciprocal tariffs’ with the infamous board. — AFP

WHERE do I even begin with this week’s column? Malaysia’s response to US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will be calm and firm, so we are told. Yet our southern neighbour is already bracing for a potential recession. And the last one week has seen global trade turmoil, worrying many governments unsure of Trump’s next move.

Just a few weeks ago, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan told senators in Dewan Negara to be careful about criticising the US to avoid hurting Malaysia’s economy. He was responding to a question from the floor on Malaysia’s preparations in case the new US administration imposed a high tariff on Malaysia. That remark, which he added just before sitting down, certainly didn’t go unnoticed.