By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Washington is still open to negotiations on the latest round of the United States (US) tariffs imposed on Malaysia, with a one-month window still available to engage before any final decision is made.
Speaking after a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference today, he said the Trump administration acknowledged Malaysia’s position as a key trading partner in the region.
“I raised the issue of the tariff hike from 24 to 25 per cent. He (Rubio) said that while the letter issued was general in nature, there is still one month left for negotiations, and they understand Malaysia’s importance as a trading nation in the region,” said Anwar in a brief doorstop interview at Parliament after his meeting with Rubio.
The Prime Minister’s Office then shared the audio of the interview with the press.
Anwar added that Rubio assured Malaysia that its views would be taken into consideration before the tariffs take effect next month.
Meanwhile, on the issue of Palestine, the Prime Minister said he again pressed the US to call for a ceasefire and put an end to the violence in the conflict and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
“There seems to be strong efforts on their part. He appeared confident that a ceasefire would be achieved,” he said.
The meeting also covered broader peace and security issues, including Asean’s interest.
Anwar noted that the US continues to view its ties with Malaysia as important, and remains committed to deepening cooperation with Asean and its member states.
“They understand our position… that Malaysia seeks good relations and trade with all countries.
“Some think we must choose sides, but we will not. The US is a key trading partner, yes, but so is China. Our priority is to safeguard the rakyat’s interests,” he said.
Malaysia is among several countries hit by a revised 25 per cent US tariff set to take effect on August 1.
Others include Japan, South Korea, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, and several Asean members including Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand, to name a few.
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