Malaysia stands firm on key national policies in US trade talks

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia was among the few countries that stood firm on protecting key national policies during trade negotiations with the United States (US), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament on Tuesday.
Anwar said Malaysia rejected several US demands, including challenges to the country's pro-Bumiputera policy, an affirmative action programme that benefits the majority ethnic Malays and other indigenous communities.
"We still managed to secure a 19 per cent tariff rate. Most importantly, we defended the Bumiputera policy, which the US considers discriminatory and contrary to international trade principles.
"But we stood firm, Malaysia must uphold this policy, and in the end, it was accepted," he said during ministerial question time in the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar said that while Malaysia maintained its position on non-negotiable issues, it took a pragmatic stance on others, particularly those involving trade mechanisms such as import and export regulations.
"I didn't want to risk tariff rates of 25 per cent or even 40 per cent. Malaysia is a trading nation, and the US is one of our major trade partners.
"It's easy to score symbolic victories at home, but the country could suffer, and hundreds of thousands of people would feel the impact.
"As Prime Minister, I have to protect the people's interests," he said.
He added that the government was willing to make concessions where possible, not only with the US, but also with other trading partners, including China.
Meanwhile, touching on the Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) purchase of Boeing aircraft, the Prime Minister said it was MAG's decision and that Boeing was not the only aircraft model being acquired by the airline.
"We are also buying from Airbus, and I had brought up the fact that Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia will be purchasing larger aircraft from Airbus during my discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron," he said.
He added that both Boeing and Airbus have set up their manufacturing facilities here in Malaysia, and highlighted that the purchase agreement with Boeing includes a condition that Boeing must set up some of its aircraft manufacturing operations in Malaysia.