MALAYSIA will not compromise on its sovereignty and economic rights when negotiating with the United States (US) over the import tariffs, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He mentioned that the country aspires for a win - win status with the US but stressed that it would not compromise on certain aspects such as its halal certification and the predetermined economic rights of the Malays, the nation's dominant race.
He said that there should not be any interference in the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim)'s jurisdiction over the issuing of halal certification.
Malaysia is said to be the world's leader in halal certification adoption and practises.
"We know US is a superpower and we understand the notion of transparency but certain aspects, especially on sovereignty issues, we will not compromise. We are an independent nation that just does bear any ill will towards other countries."
Malaysia has until next month to reach a revised trade deal with US over the reciprocal import goods tariffs which US is imposing on the rest of the world with Malaysia's rate pegged at 25%.
Anwar said that he was made to understand that Indonesia managed to lower their tariff rate to 19% whereas Cambodia is at 40%.
He acknowledged that US President Donald J. Trump's insistence on import tariffs, has caused a tailspin to global trade but despite the external challenges, he drew attention to the country's robust second quarter growth rate of 4.5%.
It is an encouraging rate which was attained despite the global economic uncertainties, said Anwar, who is also the PKR president.
Anwar said this at the launching of the Penang Bumiputra economic development masterplan and three affordable housing projects under the state bumiputra steering committee at the Penang campus of the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
Anwar also defended his stance that Malaysia will not be quiet if Muslims in other countries are being unjustly killed and maimed.
Citing the country's non wavering stance on defending Gazans from the brutality of the Israeli regime, he said while other countries were fearful of US after Israel attacked Iran, he spoke to the president of the Middle East nation to express concern.
"When the Iranian President (Hon Masoud Pezeshkian) expressed some issues with the Emir of Qatar (Hon Tamim Hamad Khalifa Al Thani), I called up the latter to offer room for discussions among both sides," said Anwar.
He said that Malaysia was able to mediate and offer opportunities for global dialogue sessions with the world because the country was politically stable.
Despite the slander and political attacks by certain quarters, Anwar said that the underlying factor for prosperity and growth here, is that the country is stable.
He appreciated that the Malays, Chinese and Indians are staying calm despite various provocations. and he plans to use various platform to clarify the slander and lies thrown at the current administration. - July 19, 2025.
