US tariff talks will not affect Malaysia's stand on Gaza, Iran
THE country's position on Palestine and Iran will not shift despite the possibility of facing a 25% tariff hike by the US.
Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia will not bow to pressure and remains firm in upholding principles of justice and international law.
'Malaysia's tariffs are still lower than those of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, but we view the US action as unilateral and unfair,' he said in Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar was responding to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar), who asked whether Malaysia's vocal stance in defending Palestine had influenced the US decision to consider additional tariffs and whether the government was prepared to compromise on its principles.
He added that the country's foreign policy remains unchanged despite ongoing trade negotiations with the US.
The Tambun MP pointed to the example of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who faced a 50% tariff hike by the US for defending Gaza, but did not back down.
'It is unilateral and violates all WTO (World Trade Organisation) principles and existing agreements. Malaysia's position is based on humanitarian principles and universal justice, and is consistent with international law,' he said.
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