How will the US election affect us?

THE outcome of the US presidential elections taking place today is likely to resonate well beyond American borders. With former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as the leading candidates, Malaysia faces an array of challenges and opportunities that could reshape foreign policy and our economic landscape.

Should Trump secure the presidency, we may witness a revival of his “America First” doctrine, leading to a more unpredictable and transactional approach to diplomacy. This shift could heighten tensions between the United States and China, placing Malay-sia in a precarious position, especially given China’s status as Malaysia’s largest trading partner. Increased tariffs under a protectionist US administration might threaten Malaysia’s competitiveness in critical sectors such as electronics and palm oil.