Asean–US tariffs: Malaysia's stance driven by strategy, not showmanship

New Straits Times

10-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The allegation by a former Singaporean diplomat that only Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim supports Asean's collective approach in addressing tariff issues with the United States has been described as entirely baseless.
Furthermore, the suggestion that Anwar's efforts are merely a ploy to gain international prominence has been labelled deeply troubling and undiplomatic.
Responding to the remarks made by former Singaporean diplomat Bilahari Kausikan, special officer for (international relations) to the Deputy Prime Minister, Neow Choo Seong, said the claim reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of Malaysia's principled foreign policy under Anwar's leadership.
Neow stressed that Malaysia had long championed Asean unity, particularly in confronting growing geopolitical and economic tensions resulting from unilateral trade measures.
"Our approach is guided by strategic wisdom, not political theatrics.
"For a former senior diplomat like Bilahari to dismiss Malaysia's efforts as cheap rhetoric is insulting and demonstrates a disregard for regional unity and the spirit of mutual respect among Asean member states," he said in a Facebook post today.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Bilahari claimed that every Asean member state, including Malaysia, prefers to engage with the US on a bilateral rather than collectively.
He said that it was impractical for Asean to address tariff issues as a bloc due to the diversity of tariffs and economic structures across member countries, and alleged that only Anwar believes otherwise — or is pretending to do so in a bid to distinguish himself.
Neow, who is also MCA Youth information chief, said it was even more disappointing that Bilahari's remarks were reshared by Singapore's First Lady, Ho Ching, who also chairs the Temasek Trust.
He said that her apparent endorsement only exacerbated the situation.
He added that individuals who continue to represent influential institutions or national legacies, such as Bilahari and Ho Ching, carry a responsibility to foster unity rather than division.
"If they cannot contribute constructively to regional discourse, they should refrain from making statements that erode trust and heighten tensions," he said.
Neow stressed that Malaysia would not tolerate disparaging remarks or undue criticism for advocating a united Asean voice and would not be intimidated by condescending rhetoric disguised as personal opinion.
"Our stance is rooted in the long-term stability and integrity of Asean as a bloc that must rise collectively to meet the challenges of our time — not splinter or be manipulated by external pressures or internal cynicism.
"Malaysia will continue to resolutely defend its national interests and promote Asean unity with clarity, conviction, and unwavering resolve," he added.