Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) supports Malaysia’s active efforts to unite regional countries, in principle and collectively, in addressing the tariff shock triggered by United States President Donald Trump. ABIM president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin highlighted Malaysia’s strategic position as the Chair of ASEAN, emphasizing the opportunity to foster economic cooperation during upcoming summits with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin expressed that Malaysia’s role as a neutral and strategic dialogue platform is recognized by major countries. The meeting between China, Japan, and South Korea in Kuala Lumpur signifies the trust placed in Malaysia to explore new, fairer, and more balanced economic and trade opportunities, not only for ASEAN countries but also for nations from the Islamic world, the European Union (EU), and beyond.

Ahmad Fahmi made these remarks in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement urging closer cooperation among ASEAN countries to face the economic crisis triggered by Trump’s tariff policy. The US decision to increase tariffs aims not only at trade profits but also at strengthening political dominance internationally, exerting pressure on other economies.

He further called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, especially Gulf countries, to leverage this momentum to establish stronger economic cooperation with the ASEAN+3 bloc. Ahmad Fahmi stressed the importance of the Islamic world taking a proactive role in fostering a fairer global economic landscape for all.