Putrajaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized that Malaysia will not succumb to external pressures that could compromise its national policies, especially in negotiations with the United States concerning tariffs. He highlighted the importance of the Bumiputera policy as a non-negotiable ‘red line,’ asserting that it must remain intact even if deemed ‘discriminatory’ by external parties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also holds the position of finance minister, underscored the necessity of protecting local companies’ procurement opportunities during US negotiations. He pointed out that Malaysia’s strategy is to adopt a meticulous and firm approach to safeguard national interests while simultaneously enhancing trade relations with other countries, notably China and ASEAN, to widen market access.

Anwar elaborated on the careful and assertive stance Malaysia is maintaining in tariff discussions, stating, “That is our red line in negotiations (on tariffs), which is why our approach is more careful and firm. We must continue to trade and engage well with all countries, but no country should be allowed to impose conditions that pressure us.” These remarks were made during a monthly meeting with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM).

Highlighting his diplomatic efforts, Anwar mentioned that his strong relationships with global leaders, particularly in Brazil and Egypt, have opened strategic economic avenues for Malaysia. His rapport with Brazilian President Luiz In¡cio Lula da Silva has facilitated Malaysian companies like Petronas and Yinson Holdings in securing oil exploration, production, and vessel construction contracts in Brazil and Peru. This engagement is part of an effort to diversify Malaysia’s trade partnerships beyond reliance on a single country.

In Egypt, Anwar’s connection with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has resulted in Proton being granted the opportunity to establish Egypt as a production hub for the North African market, leading to a 34 percent increase in trade with Egypt over the past year.