1 week Ago By Syakirah Nor
KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia prepares for tariff negotiations in Washington on April 23, the country must craft a compelling case to showcase its economic strength, strategic importance within ASEAN and commitment to fostering global partnerships.Bursa Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said in doing so, it is crucial for Malaysia to present a narrative that safeguards its national interests while capitalising on its position as a neutral and friendly nation."Any negotiations must be based on Malaysia's interests as a nation.
It is crucial for Malaysia to maintain its neutrality and foster friendly relations with all parties," he told reporters at the Bursa Malaysia-ECKL-CIMB Roundtable: Global Headwinds vs Domestic Resilience - Refreshed Outlook 2025. Abdul Wahid, who is retiring from his role as Bursa Malaysia chairman, also emphasised the need for Malaysia to engage actively in existing trade blocs and strengthen its trade ties within ASEAN and with bilateral partners.ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak echoed similar views, stressing the importance of positioning Malaysia's economic strength within a broader ASEAN context.
"Negotiations should not only represent Malaysia but also emphasise its role within ASEAN, showcasing the collective opportunities and stability offered by the region," he explained.Beyond tariffs, Nazir said Malaysia should also address wider issues that align with US strategic interests."We must include topics such as military procurement and Malaysia's role in promoting peace and stability in regions like Gaza.
These issues align with US interests and could strengthen Malaysia's position in negotiations," he said.Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur (ECKL) research director Anthony Dass called on Malaysia to take more proactive steps in safeguarding its national interests and assume a leadership role, rather than merely following others.The three experts also agreed on the need for Malaysia to balance its relations with key partners such as China and India, while diversifying trade dependencies to other regions including the Middle East, Africa, India, and Latin America.
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