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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to address Parliament today with a detailed explanation of the government's plans to tackle the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States and their potential impact on Malaysia’s economy.
According to the Order Paper published on the Parliament’s website, Anwar, who also holds the Finance Minister portfolio, will deliver the statement during a special sitting at 11am.
“The Prime Minister will provide an explanation on the US move to impose reciprocal tariffs on all imports and its implications for the Malaysian economy,” the Order Paper stated.
Anwar is expected to outline the government’s response, including measures coordinated across multiple ministries and sectors, and propose both short- and medium-term solutions. This includes a review of existing policies affecting specific industries.
He will also present the government’s long-term economic strategy to cushion Malaysia from the effects of escalating global trade tensions and to bolster the country's economic resilience.
Following the Prime Minister’s briefing, Members of Parliament will be given the opportunity to seek clarification and express their views. Relevant ministers will respond to the issues raised during the session.
The special parliamentary sitting was convened at Anwar’s request and announced on 24 April. It was held in accordance with Standing Order 11(3) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders to deliberate on pressing matters deemed to be in the public interest.
The session falls under Standing Order 14(1)(i), which provides for ministerial briefings on significant policy matters. In this case, it pertains to the US decision to impose reciprocal tariffs, its ramifications for Malaysia, and the government's coordinated response.
On 9 April, the US administration announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries but maintained a 10 per cent base tariff.
The move was intended to allow space for negotiations with over 75 countries, including Malaysia, which had expressed concerns over the abrupt introduction of the trade measures. - May 5, 2025
