PM stresses Malaysia will not rush decisions after US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.

PETALING JAYA: The government will take its time to assess the impact of the US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs to ensure Malaysia–US trade relations are not harmed, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He was responding to calls for the government to review its trade agreements following the court decision, which challenged certain tariffs imposed under US law.

“Calls to reassess based on the court ruling – I agree with that.

“But any decision from us should not be made immediately.

We need to wait,” Anwar said during Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament today.

He noted that the US administration continues to use other legal provisions, including Section 232, which allows sector-specific tariffs after Department of Commerce investigations, and Section 301, which permits tariffs on countries engaged in unfair trade practices.

Several provisions, including Sections 201 and 338 tariffs and classifications codified by Congress, are still pending and involve Congressional authority, making their implementation uncertain.

“Why should we rush? Just because the US Supreme Court made a decision three days ago, are we expected to act today strictly according to that ruling? I disagree.

“Whatever decision we make must be carefully considered,” Anwar said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Malaysia must first defend its economic and trade interests, monitor how other countries respond, and consider domestic US policies.

“This is not about challenging the Supreme Court decision.

Certain sections can still be applied in trade dealings, which are not included in the ruling,” he said.

Anwar urged the government to allow the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and Cabinet ministers time to review all aspects before making decisions.

“Any decision we make today may sound dramatic, but what are the risks to our economy? If it’s about national pride or sovereignty, that’s another matter.

“But for trade strategy, we must consider the country’s interests,” he added.

He warned that hasty actions could jeopardise gains already secured and potentially harm key sectors such as Malaysia’s growing semiconductor industry.

“We are still examining developments in the US, including ongoing Congressional debates and other provisions used by the US President.

“We need time to review all implications carefully,” he said.

Anwar said decisions would only be made after a thorough review at the next Cabinet meeting, with MITI tasked to provide all necessary information to ensure that any course of action is sensible, well-informed, and protects Malaysia’s trade and economic interests.

 The Sun Malaysia