Anwar on Trump's call
Published on: Mon, Aug 04, 2025
By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: 'President Trump called me at 6.50am on Monday and the first thing he said was 'Prime Minister Anwar, fantastic job. Thank you for helping to resolve this conflict',' Anwar said. Kota Kinabalu: PM Anwar spoke of Malaysia's growing international reputation in the wake of the nation's recent diplomatic success in mediating the border skirmish between Cambodia and Thailand. He said Prime Ministers agreed to hold talks in Kuala Lumpur after extensive diplomatic efforts involving multiple phone calls with world leaders including President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping. 'President Trump called me at 6.50am on Monday and the first thing he said was 'Prime Minister Anwar, fantastic job. Thank you for helping to resolve this conflict',' Anwar said. He also spoke about Malaysia's trade negotiations with the United States, particularly regarding tariffs that could impact the country's significant electronics and semiconductor exports worth RM200 billion annually. He said Malaysia successfully negotiated a reduction in tariffs from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, while maintaining firm positions on key issues including the Bumiputera Economic Policy and halal certification standards. 'I told Trump we are a trading nation, we believe in free trade. I do not act like some people saying 'Dear Mr President, I am sorry'. No, no. I represent Malaysia. 'The Malaysian people are proud, independent and sovereign and do not bow to anyone,' Anwar said. He also spoke about Malaysia Airlines' recent aircraft purchase agreements, including 30 Boeing aircraft from the United States and several Airbus planes from France, noting how these commercial deals support Malaysia's negotiating position in trade discussions. Addressing agricultural development specifically, Anwar said the government's focus is on fertile land utilisation and the Blue Economy concept under the 13th Malaysia Plan. He noted that 28 Farmers' Area Organisations currently oversee 842 farming units with 64,108 farmer members across the nation. 'Malaysia maintains its principled foreign policy stance, including our position on humanitarian issues in Gaza, while our government remains committed to treating all Malaysian children equally regardless of ethnicity,' he said. 'Connectivity issues affecting rural communities are examples of problems the government is actively working to solve,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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