Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s position as a sovereign and independent nation, rejecting claims that the country had yielded to US influence following the recently signed reciprocal trade agreement.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Juru–Sungai Dua Toll Plaza Traffic Dispersal Project in Butterworth, Anwar stated that Malaysia remains free to forge relations with any nation—including the United States, China, Brazil, and South Africa—based on mutual benefit and national interest, not subservience.
Anwar said that Malaysia’s pragmatic approach in maintaining balanced diplomatic and trade ties ensures continued growth and prosperity. He stressed that the country’s engagement with the United States under the new trade deal does not limit its partnerships with other global powers.
“Yes, we maintain good relations with the US,” Anwar said, referring to Malaysia’s signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. “But to claim that we have bowed to America is baseless. Malaysia will never compromise its sovereignty for the sake of any foreign power.”
He also highlighted his upcoming attendance at the G20 Summit chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying that former US President Donald Trump’s decision to bar American representatives from the meeting would not affect Malaysia’s participation.
“If we were to follow America’s orders, I would not be attending the G20. But Malaysia is an independent and sovereign country. We act based on our principles, not external dictates,” he said.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, added that Malaysia’s cooperation with the US under the ART agreement did not prevent collaboration with other countries, especially in critical sectors such as rare earth mining and high-tech industries.
He cited examples of Malaysia’s diversified partnerships, noting that Lynas’ operations in Pahang involve Australian investments, while a new RM600 million venture from JS Link has recently been approved. In Perak, rare earth development continues in partnership with China, showing that Malaysia’s economic policy remains open and balanced.
Anwar said such a pragmatic strategy was crucial to attract foreign investments in high-impact areas like semiconductors, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The ART, signed on October 26, aims to lower tariffs on Malaysian exports to the United States—from 25 per cent to 19 per cent—under a new executive order issued by Trump in April.
According to Anwar, the agreement reflects Malaysia’s ability to negotiate strategically while maintaining full control over its national interests and global partnerships.
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