PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on countries to resolve trade disputes, including contentious tariff measures, through the World Trade Organisation (WTO), warning that unilateral actions undermine global economic stability and trust.
Speaking at the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) in the Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, Anwar reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective stance in favour of multilateralism and rules-based economic cooperation, emphasising that the WTO remains the most appropriate and legitimate platform for resolving trade tensions.
“Countries should use the WTO platform to address trade issues and disputes,” said Anwar, who also holds the finance portfolio and currently chairs ASEAN for 2025.
“If there are some adjustments or corrections to be made, we (ASEAN) can always make them through appropriate channels.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns over the United States’ imposition of reciprocal tariffs on over 75 trading partners, a move that has prompted widespread criticism for its unilateral nature. Although Washington has since announced a temporary 90-day suspension of the tariffs, the damage to diplomatic trust lingers.
Without naming the US directly at first, Anwar condemned such unilateral actions, stating: “We, without exception, express displeasure and disagreement with the unilateral decision by the United States to impose tariffs.”
In a pointed rebuke of Washington’s trade approach, Anwar warned against the use of “megaphone diplomacy,” where public pressure and media statements replace formal dialogue and institutional frameworks.
“Countries should not resort to megaphone diplomacy,” he said, responding to questions from reporters during a press briefing at the AFMGM.
Instead, the Prime Minister urged ASEAN and other regions to strengthen internal cohesion and present a united front in encouraging constructive engagement with economic superpowers such as the United States.
“What we need to do is enhance trade and investments and collaboration in digital and energy sectors. There is a need to impress upon all countries, including the US, to respect a rules-based order,” he stated.
Anwar’s call reinforces ASEAN’s broader position, as outlined in a recent joint statement by its economic ministers, which emphasised non-retaliatory, dialogue-driven responses to trade challenges. The grouping has consistently advocated for the preservation of multilateralism and fair competition as foundations for regional and global prosperity.
While the 90-day tariff reprieve offered by the US has been received with cautious optimism, Anwar underscored that the suspension should not be viewed as a solution in itself, but rather an opportunity to recalibrate global trade relations through legitimate international institutions.
As the chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia is expected to play a pivotal role in steering regional economic diplomacy during a period of heightened geopolitical tension and uncertainty in global trade. Anwar’s remarks signal a firm commitment to strengthening multilateral processes and resisting the drift toward protectionism and unilateralism.
“We must work together—not just as individual nations but as regional blocs—to ensure fair, open, and inclusive trade,” Anwar added. – April 10, 2025
