PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a halt to slander and fake politicising accounts as the country stares down the imposition of punitive tariffs by the world's largest economy - the United States (US).
Anwar said for example, there was a claim that the revenue from oil in Terengganu was channelled to development projects in Penang instead.
"There is no such thing. Revenue for Terengganu stays in that state and so does Kelantan's revenue. It is for (the east coast) state. And Penang's income stays with the state. We on the federal side just tries to help those in need," said Anwar.
He was speaking at the Penang - level Madani Hari Raya Adil Fitri open - house at the Penang International Convention Centre Arena (PICCA) in Butterworth, Penang.
Anwar said that the country needs to be dependent on its strong national unity, especially among the diverse races to meet the challenges of the new US tariffs.
He said that the country's social fabric of diversity should not be exploited as a fault line by politicians who are bankrupt of ideas of how to take the country forward.
"We should focus on foster unity among various races as we will need it to face up to the external challenges such as the tariffs," said Anwar.
He is hoping that the regionalism strength of Asean and Malaysia's own efforts can bear fruits when negotiating with the US about the proposed tariffs rate.
The tariff rates imposed in the region, is among the world's highest, especially for Vietnam and Cambodia, who are facing down a rate of 46% and 49% respectively.
Earlier, Anwar when opening the upgrading of a mosque in Cherok Tok Kun, his birth place, told the Muslim congregation that the construction of a mosque needs to mirror the true appreciation of Islam.
"The building of a mosque is not to show off or to have a sense of pride. It is simply a place of worship which is sacred, to fulfil our prayer obligations, to learn the fundamentals of Islam and to help humanity," said Anwar.
A mosque is to build fellowship among the congregation, not just to show off, he said
ASEAN to Present United Front
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said today Malaysia will utilise its close diplomatic and economic relationships with the United States, Europe, China, and fellow ASEAN nations in seeking a resolution to the recently imposed retaliatory import tariffs by the United States.
Speaking at the Aidilfitri MADANI 2025 celebration in Penang, Anwar said that ASEAN member states had reached a consensus to collectively address the issue in a coordinated manner.
“This is important because we are not acting solely as Malaysia, but as a united ASEAN bloc,” he said.
“We hope that through discussions and negotiations, both on behalf of Malaysia and ASEAN, we can resolve the tariff issue as effectively as possible.”
He stressed the importance of regional solidarity in navigating global economic challenges and highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to multilateral dialogue in pursuit of a balanced and fair trading environment.
Anwar's remarks come amid growing concerns within the region regarding the potential economic impact of the US tariffs on Southeast Asian exports.
The festive event was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, as well as other state dignitaries. – April 12, 2025
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