During the 30th Nikkei International Forum in Tokyo, former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad hinted that this year’s event might mark his final appearance at the prestigious conference. Having been a regular participant for the past three decades, his attendance was only interrupted three times—once due to health issues and twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Mahathir expressed appreciation for the platform, which has long served as a space for exchanging ideas and shaping discourse on Asia’s economic and technological future. He conveyed hopes for the continued success of the forum and acknowledged its contribution to fostering regional cooperation and dialogue.
At this year's gathering, Dr Mahathir also shared his thoughts on current global trade policies, particularly the tariffs introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He projected that such tariffs may not persist, suggesting they could be reversed within three months due to their negative impact on the U.S. domestic market. Rising import costs and early signs of policy reversal, such as exemptions for electronic goods, were seen as indicators that the approach may be reconsidered. He further noted that even the U.S. Supreme Court has questioned the extent of the President’s authority in imposing such measures.
Another key focus of Dr Mahathir’s participation was his long-standing advocacy for the Look East Policy, which he first introduced to encourage Malaysia to emulate the development models of East Asian nations, especially Japan. He reiterated admiration for Japan’s work ethic and commitment to innovation, pointing out the country's sustained efforts in researching new technologies and treatments for diseases.
He highlighted how Japan’s dedication to continuous improvement and disciplined workplace culture had inspired Malaysia’s own strategies for economic development.
While Dr Mahathir did not officially confirm his retirement from the Nikkei Forum, his reflections carried the weight of a farewell. His contributions over the years have helped shape regional conversations on growth, governance, and collaboration. As Asia faces new challenges and transitions in a rapidly changing global environment, his legacy of championing thoughtful dialogue and regional self-determination continues to resonate.
Whether or not this was his final appearance, Dr Mahathir’s presence and perspectives once again underscored his role as a prominent voice in Asia’s journey toward a more interconnected and forward-looking future.
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