Malaysia Calls on ASEAN to "Face Together" US Tariffs Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has begun consultations with ASEAN leaders to address the issue of US taxation: "Fragmented economic outlook. Responding with one voice." Malaysia, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is pushing for trade fairness. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that as the current ASEAN chairmanship holder, Malaysia has already started consultations with regional leaders to address what it considers an urgent issue of trade fairness. Following the US imposition of high tariffs, Kuala Lumpur quickly took action and called for collective responses from various countries. While also serving as the economy minister, Anwar revealed that he had contacted Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He also announced plans for further talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Singapore's newly appointed Prime Minister Wong Siew Kieng. "This initiative aims to form a common ASEAN stance on Malaysia’s response and call for fairness in trade commitments with the US and other nations," he said. This move is in response to the US decision to impose a general tariff of 10% on China starting April 5, 2025, and impose high customized tariffs on certain countries including ASEAN nations starting April 9, 2025. According to a White House situation report on April 2, secondary tariffs will target countries with significant trade deficits with the US. Although Malaysia enjoys lower tariffs by 24% compared to some neighboring countries, Anwar emphasized that the broader impact on ASEAN, particularly the Indochinese Peninsula economy, cannot be overlooked. The tariff rates for Indochinese Group member states are Cambodia 49%, Thailand 48%, Vietnam 46%, and Myanmar 44%. Thailand and Indonesia face tax pressures of 36% and 32%, respectively, while Brunei and Malaysia face 24% tax pressure. The Philippines will be affected by 17%, and Singapore by 10%. Anwar emphasized, "These differences create a fragmented economic landscape within ASEAN. Therefore, we must respond with one voice." When local Kuala Lumpur media asked whether Malaysia would retaliate, the prime minister was cautious in his tone. He said, "This is not about retaliation. Our top priority is to safeguard national economic interests while maintaining diplomatic balance. We are carefully analyzing all aspects." Yesterday, the cabinet held a special meeting on the issue of tariffs. Apart from Anwar, Bank Negara Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Abdul Karim and Chairman of the Prime Minister's Policy Consultative Council Dato' Sri Mohamad Hashim Malik also participated in the discussion. Anwar also revealed that Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz will meet with ASEAN ministers next Thursday to formulate a regional trade strategy. "Tengku Sri Zafrul has already begun contacting his regional counterparts," Anwar confirmed, adding that an ASEAN Unified Trade Ministers Meeting will take place next week to coordinate our approach." Observers noted that Malaysia’s leadership role in calling for ASEAN discussions on this issue is a severe test of ASEAN cohesion and credibility. As global economic nationalism rises, how Southeast Asia responds to this trade shock may set the tone for the region’s diplomatic posture in a more protectionist world order. Source: AsiaNews Author: Joseph Masilamany Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829124236705796/ Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views.