MALAYSIA must strike a careful balance in managing its strategic partnership with the United States while maintaining robust relations with other global players, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said, underscoring the country’s responsibility as ASEAN Chair to spearhead regional growth and economic collaboration.
In a statement issued following a meeting of the National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) on Wednesday evening, Anwar noted that Malaysia’s growing economic role in the region offers a critical opportunity to drive much-needed structural reforms and strengthen the country's economic resilience.
“This evening, I chaired the National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) meeting to discuss strategies to strengthen Malaysia’s export position to the United States,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“The meeting followed last week’s discussions between the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry and the US Secretary of Trade and Trade Representative — a key step in ensuring Malaysia’s voice continues to be heard amid a more challenging global trade environment.”
Those meetings, held in Washington, saw Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz engage with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. High on the agenda were issues surrounding retaliatory tariffs and broader trade tensions.
Anwar said Wednesday’s NGCC meeting focused on measures to address concerns related to US tariff policies.
Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul added: “The NGCC focused on key steps to address retaliatory tariff issues with the United States. Malaysia remains committed to continuing negotiations with the US to achieve a fair resolution.”
“However, we are also acutely aware of the importance of strengthening trade relations with all countries.”
“As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will also continue to lead the way in advancing regional economic cooperation,” he said.
“I believe this situation presents a clear opportunity for reform. With the courage to change, we will build a stronger, more competitive economy.”
Anwar’s comments come as the global trade environment grows increasingly complex, shaped by heightened geopolitical rivalry, rising protectionism, and shifting supply chains.
Malaysia, which has long positioned itself as a pragmatic middle power in global affairs, faces the task of advancing its national interest while also fostering ASEAN’s collective economic strength. - May 1, 2025
