KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will send a delegation to Washington later this month to initiate talks with the United States over the 24% reciprocal tariff imposed on Malaysian exports, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
“This was part of our soft diplomacy of quiet engagement, we will be despatching our officials to Washington to begin the process of dialogue. There may be limited room to revisit the underlying intent, but there is still scope for adjusting the policy’s implementation,” he said.
“We do not believe in megaphone diplomacy.”
Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan later confirmed the timeline, saying Malaysia’s delegation is expected to leave for Washington before the month ends.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, stressed that Malaysia will continue adapting to global shifts while pursuing efforts to protect its economic interests.
“In the meantime, Malaysia will adapt, as we always have. Winds may shift, but we do not drift. Our trade diversification strategy is already gathering pace.”
He delivered the remarks during his keynote address at the ASEAN Investment Conference (AIC) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, themed “Asean 2025: Forging a resilient and inclusive future.”
While reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to its longstanding economic partnership with the US, Anwar made it clear that the government would take whatever steps necessary to safeguard national interests.
“This includes engaging proactively with the US towards achieving a mutually beneficial outcome and at the same time, diversifying and strengthening our ties with all major trade markets across the European Union, Asia, Middle East and Africa,” he said.
He also pointed out that trade with the US has historically been mutually advantageous.
“Our exports support not just growth here but high-quality jobs across the United States. This commercial relationship has served both countries well, but these measures may end up harming all.”
Echoing the Prime Minister’s stance, Amir Hamzah said it was important to engage the US in civil discussions to better understand the reasoning behind the tariff decision.
Asked whether Malaysia was reacting out of panic, he replied: “No. We are chill.”
He said Malaysia’s response was measured and deliberate, rather than reactionary.
“Therefore, we will go to the US for an amicable discussion and to gain a deeper understanding of this issue, as well as to find ways to achieve a better outcome than what we currently have.
“For now, we should not panic or act in haste. We will do things the right way,” he said after participating in the ministerial dialogue session titled “ASEAN Macro Structural Policies: Reform Versus Expansionary Measures.”
The AIC 2025, which opened in Kuala Lumpur today, gathered more than 700 policymakers, investors, and capital market leaders to explore ways of enhancing regional integration, promoting sustainability, and future-proofing ASEAN economies amid shifting global dynamics.
Organised by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) in collaboration with AFFIN Group, CGS International Securities Malaysia, and RHB Banking Group, the two-day forum focuses on mobilising capital and aligning regional strategies to support inclusive growth.
As Asean Chair in 2025, Malaysia aims to lead efforts to deepen intra-Asean trade, respond collectively to geopolitical challenges, and accelerate growth in emerging sectors such as green energy and artificial intelligence.
In his address, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to elevating its role within Asean by capitalising on its geographical advantage, connectivity, and investor-friendly policies.
Earlier in the day, he also met with global fund managers overseeing a combined assets under management (AUM) of over USD8 trillion during a closed-door breakfast session.
Discussions at the conference also touched on fintech innovation, digital banking, and forging stronger ties with key economies including China, Japan, and South Korea.
SC Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi stressed the importance of unity and cooperation within the region.
“Asean’s strength lies in its unity and shared purpose. In a time of global uncertainty, working together and investing in one another will be key to unlocking our region’s potential,” he said.
“By deepening regional cooperation, we can harness our diverse strengths and move towards a more inclusive and resilient Asean.”
During the event, the SC also launched the first edition of the Asean Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for SMEs in Supply Chains (Asean SEDG). Developed under Malaysia’s chairmanship of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, the guide offers practical steps to help small businesses align with sustainability standards and improve resilience.
The initiative supports the Asean Vision 2040, which aims to transform all 10 member states into sustainable, future-ready economies.
Among the conference’s notable speakers were Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat, Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono, and Asean Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
Top representatives from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank were also present. – April 8, 2025