Marco Rubio

by AUFA MARDHIAH & AKMAR ANNUAR

PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (picture) tomorrow to press for fairer treatment for Malaysia in ongoing tariff negotiations ahead of an August deadline.

Rubio is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Post-ministerial Conference with the US on July 10 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

“When I meet with Secretary Rubio tomorrow, I will mention some of these matters for his consideration before US President Donald Trump makes a final decision,” Anwar told reporters after opening the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to maintaining good ties with the US, but will firmly defend its trade interests.

“We have sent a team to negotiate and explain the situation — that we are a trading nation. Any unilateral tariff will negatively affect the economy of the state and this region,” he said.

Anwar added that discussions with US counterparts are still ongoing, with Washington giving Malaysia until August to finalise its position.

In a report dated July 8, MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd said Malaysia is likely to reach a trade agreement with the US, citing recent comments by International Trade and Investment Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz following his meeting with the US trade representative.

While the final tariff rate remains uncertain, MIDF Investment expects it to be lower than the 25% set to take effect on Aug 1. Drawing on Vietnam’s recent trade deal, the research house said Malaysia could potentially secure a rate of around 15%.

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