US tariffs: Accept reality and act wisely, says PM

Free Malaysia Today

27-04-2025

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greeting guests at the Madani Aidilfitri open house in Kuala Perlis today. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Malaysia does not agree to the tariffs imposed by the US, 'but we have to accept the reality and deal with it wisely,' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.
He said the government will explain to MPs at a special parliamentary meeting on May 5 what measures have been taken in response to the US tariffs, Bernama reported.
He said the special session would allow all MPs to discuss the impact of the US action on Malaysia's economy and think about measures to overcome it.
The prime minister said Malaysia does not agree to the tariffs imposed by the US earlier this month. 'No country should unilaterally set arbitrary rates,' he said.
'We are bound by the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. But we have to accept the reality and deal with it wisely,' he said in a speech at the Madani Aidilfitri celebration in Kuala Perlis today.
'This is the time for all parties to focus on the growth of the country. Uplift the dignity of this country. Malaysia is a great country, capable of being an exemplary country among the best countries in Asia, provided we are united and work hard to uplift our economic dignity,' he said.
Anwar said the government had sent two ministers to the US to consult with trade officials 'so that America also understands what we are doing and so that there is a fairer action or decision'.
He said relations with the US and other countries 'must remain moderate' so as not to affect the people's lives, their jobs and the country's economic growth.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said 60% of Malaysia's semiconductor production was exported to the US, with a value of more than RM140 billion. The Donald Trump administration has since said semiconductors were exempted from the tariffs announced earlier.
The US has imposed a general 10% tariff on imports from all countries, and extra tariffs ranging from 17% to 49% on about 60 countries. Malaysia was slapped with a 24% tariff. The tariffs have been suspended for 90 days.