Putrajaya: Malaysia will be dispatching its officials to Washington to initiate dialogue with the United States regarding the 24 percent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Malaysian goods, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan confirmed that Malaysia’s delegation is scheduled to depart for Washington by the end of April. Prime Minister Anwar described this move as part of Malaysia’s soft diplomacy approach, emphasizing quiet engagement. “We will be dispatching 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 stated.

Anwar further noted that Malaysia will adapt to these challenges as it has always done, with a focus on trade diversification. “Winds may shift, but we do not drift. Our trade diversification strategy is already gathering pace,” he remarked. While Malays
ia intends to maintain its steadfast trade partnership with the US, the government is committed to doing whatever it takes to safeguard its economic interests, Anwar emphasized during his speech at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025, titled “ASEAN 2025: Forging a resilient and inclusive future.”

He highlighted Malaysia’s proactive engagement with the US to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome while simultaneously diversifying and strengthening trade ties with other major markets across the European Union, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, stressed that Malaysia’s trade relationship with the US has long been mutually beneficial. “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,” he cautioned.