FORMER Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has warned that the United States' sweeping tariff policy, spearheaded by former President Donald Trump, will ultimately cause hardship for the American people themselves.
Speaking at the launch of his new book *Cabaran Pembangunan Ekonomi di Abad Ke-21* (Challenges of Economic Development in the 21st Century) on Monday, Dr Mahathir criticised Trump’s decision to impose a blanket 10 percent tariff on all imports and steeper duties on dozens of countries, including close US trade partners.
“Such tariffs will not only hurt foreign exporters but also the 343.6 million American citizens. When you impose high tariffs, it's not only foreigners who suffer, but your own people as well,” he said.
He warned that the trade restrictions would lead to a higher cost of living and increased inflation in the United States. “For example, car importers in the US are forced to raise prices because of the tariffs imposed on them. This will damage the US economy and contribute to inflation,” he added.
Malaysia is among the countries targeted by the new trade measures, facing tariffs of up to 24 percent under Trump’s proposed policy.
Najib Would Not Change if Reinstated
Separately, Dr Mahathir also used the occasion to comment on Malaysia’s domestic political landscape, asserting that former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would not change his ways if he were to return to power.
“If he (Najib) becomes Prime Minister again, I don’t think he would change much. He still believes that the best way to be Prime Minister is to give money to the people,” said Dr Mahathir.
“You don’t have the money, so you borrow the money – and then you steal the money. To me, that is unacceptable,” he added.
He also remarked that Najib should apologise to the people for his past wrongdoings. “I think he should just say sorry and admit he made mistakes.”
Dr Mahathir further criticised Najib’s leadership within UMNO, stating that the party had strayed from its founding principles of upholding religion, race, and country due to money politics.
“When he talked about ‘cash is king’, he was effectively saying corruption is acceptable, and that this country can be governed through corruption. That is a radical departure from UMNO’s original struggle,” said Dr Mahathir.
Najib is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. Although he was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million, a royal pardon in 2024 reduced his sentence to six years and the fine to RM50 million. - May 19, 2025
