Tokyo: Sovereign countries should not be timid in defending free trade and opposing punitive tariffs or discriminatory policies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar emphasized Malaysia's firm stance on tariffs and its continuous appeal for nations to be more assertive and explicit in their support for free trade and multilateralism.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar articulated his views during a question-and-answer session following his keynote address at the Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan. He highlighted that countries need to clearly express their support for free trade policies, without which they fail to contribute to progressive global economic thinking. The session, which was broadcast live on television and social media, also delved into ASEAN's strategies to tackle protectionist policies from major powers and internal differences among its member states.

Anwar underscored the importance of ASEAN maintaining a vibrant engagement with global partners while preserving its centrality and independent stance. He noted Malaysia's excellent relations with the United States, its largest trading and investment partner, despite disagreements over unilateral tariffs. Anwar recounted addressing these issues with former U.S. President Donald Trump during the ASEAN Summit, advocating for consensus-building without resorting to a zero-sum approach.

He further clarified that Malaysia's involvement in the BRICS group does not imply a shift away from its robust trade relations with the U.S. Instead, Malaysia aims to deepen cooperation with BRICS and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighting the GCC's advancements in technology and energy transition as areas of mutual interest.