For trade strategy, we must consider our country’s interests: Anwar
PETALING JAYA: The government will take its time assessing the impact of the US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs to ensure Malaysia–US trade relations are not harmed, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister 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,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament yesterday.
He highlighted that the US administration continues to use other legal provisions, including Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962, which allows sector-specific tariffs after Commerce Department investigations, and Section 301 of the same Act, which permits tariffs on countries engaged in unfair trade practices.
Other provisions, including sections 201 and 338 tariffs and classifications codified by Congress, remain pending under 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,” said Anwar.
He 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 could still be applied in trade dealings, which are not included in the ruling.”
He urged the government to allow the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry 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 is about national pride or sovereignty, that is another matter. But for trade strategy, we must consider the country’s interests,” he said.
Anwar warned that hasty actions could jeopardise gains already secured and potentially harm key sectors, such as Malaysia’s growing semiconductor industry.
“Malaysia is monitoring developments in the United States, including ongoing congressional debates and other tariff measures by President Donald Trump. We need time to review all implications carefully.”
He also defended the decision by former Investment, Trade and Industry minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and the government to sign a trade agreement with the US, saying it takes into account national interests and contains sufficient provisions to safeguard Malaysia’s security and economic position as a trading nation.
On the implications of the US Supreme Court ruling, Anwar said Malaysia must assess the situation before acting.
“This is not yet final as the Supreme Court ruling clarifies that certain powers belong to Congress rather than the president, but other provisions still allow the US president to act, so it is too early to make decisions based solely on that ruling.”
He reiterated that Malaysia’s focus is on protecting national trade and economic interests, adding that the Cabinet would continue discussions on US tariffs on Friday.
On Feb 20, the US Supreme Court invalidated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 1977, which had provided the legal basis for Trump’s actions, including retaliatory measures.
Yesterday, Trump warned countries against abandoning recent trade deals with the US following the Supreme Court ruling, and threatened to impose higher duties under other legal authorities for any nation attempting to “play games”.
The Sun Malaysia
