Malaysia is currently conducting tariff negotiations with the United States, but the president affirmed that his nation, as an independent and sovereign nation, has the right to express its own opinions on any matter.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, acknowledged that the negotiations are not yet in the final stage, as much remains to be assessed.

According to the head of government, the main problem centers on electrical and electronic (E&E) products, semiconductors, and chips, as he recently explained in Parliament.

Approximately 60 percent of the country’s production is exported to the United States; however, that country also depends on Malaysia for chips and E&E, which represents about 25 percent of its production, he argued.

Several ministers agreed with Anwar in trying to find an amicable solution.

At the same time, Malaysia defends a position of continuing positive trade with all nations, but without allowing any to impose coercive conditions.

Recently, Malaysia has strengthened trade relations with China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the regional bloc it chaired this year.

jdt/mem/msm