PUTRAJAYA — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that Malaysia’s ongoing trade negotiations with the United States will be “tough”, as both sides seek to finalise high-value agreements in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.
Speaking during a media briefing with local and international editors in Putrajaya last night, Anwar said the discussions, which have been underway for several months, were “99.9% complete”, with the remaining details expected to be finalised during the Cabinet meeting later today.
“The negotiations with the US are going to be tough because their intention, of course, is to meet their preference,” Anwar said.
“We don’t have an issue with taking all measures necessary to enhance bilateral trade and investments with the US, but it should not preclude our collaboration and continued relations with other countries.”
He added that Malaysia is determined to pursue mutually beneficial partnerships that uphold national interests and sustainable development goals, while maintaining strong relations with key economic partners.
US President Donald Trump is expected to attend this week’s 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he is scheduled to meet Anwar to discuss ways to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said both governments are working to strengthen cooperation across strategic industries, particularly semiconductors — a sector where Malaysia plays a crucial role in global supply chains.
“Semiconductor is one area; artificial intelligence, the digital economy and energy sectors all have a series of negotiations taking place,” he said, adding that several trade-related understandings with Washington are close to being signed.
“There have been discussions on tariff and trade-related issues with the intention of enhancing trade and investments. I intend to sign some of these initial agreements and understandings with the US, and I am extremely delighted that there have been very positive developments,” he said.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s stable political environment, consistent policies, and commitment to energy transition have made it an attractive destination for global investors.
“Malaysia is now peaceful and politically stable, with well-crafted, clear policies that include not only economic or trade investment incentives but also energy transition and regional transformation,” he said.
Anwar will chair the Asean Summit, where trade, investment, and regional financial cooperation are expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
He said Malaysia’s engagement with major global players ahead of the summit reflected renewed international confidence in the country’s economy and governance.
“This meeting has attracted many major players internationally, and I think that in itself would be most useful for the business community and for investment in this country,” he said. — October 23, 2025