King consents to appointment of Malaysia's new Ambassador to the US, Anwar says

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today that Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has approved the appointment of Malaysia’s new Ambassador to the United States.

Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, has confirmed that the new Malaysian Ambassador to the United States has been approved by His Majesty following his recent presentation.

The Prime Minister stated that the name of the individual selected for the prestigious role will be revealed in due course.

"The candidate for the position of Malaysia’s Ambassador to the United States will be announced very soon, as the decision has already been made and His Majesty the King has granted his consent," Anwar Ibrahim said.

"We will announce it according to the process, so please be patient, it will be within the next day or two."

Previously, the role of Ambassador to the US was held by Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, whose two-year term ended on February 8.

Anwar was responding to questions regarding the successor to Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, who completed his two-year term as Malaysia’s Ambassador to the US on February 10.

Mohamed Nazri had assumed the role on February 9, 2023, and was appointed based on his extensive experience as a member of the national administration, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since his departure, several names have been suggested for the post, including former Bangi Member of Parliament Ong Kian Ming, PKR Vice President Nurul Izzah Anwar, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and former CIMB Chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak.

Anwar reiterated the announcement regarding the new Ambassador is expected in the coming days, the Prime Minister said at a luncheon and Friday prayers held at the Prima Saujana Mosque in Kajang, Selangor today.

On a sperate note, Anwar, along with his Cabinet members, will hold an urgent meeting this evening in an effort to manage the potential economic impact of new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States.

The tariffs, which were unveiled by US President Donald Trump on April 2, are described as punitive and target exports from 180 countries. The announcement, made on what is known as “Liberation Day,” has sent shockwaves through global markets, fuelling concerns of a potential recession.

Speaking to the press, Anwar confirmed that the special meeting would be led by the technical committee overseeing trade relations with the US.

“God willing, we will announce our response after the meeting,” he said, offering assurances that measures would be formulated to address the situation. – April 4, 2025