By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called Asean a beacon of hope for global trade amid rising protectionism, warning that sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States risk undermining decades of economic cooperation and multilateralism.
Speaking at the Asean Investment Conference 2025 this morning, Anwar said Malaysia would pursue quiet diplomacy to address Washington’s latest wave of economic nationalism, dubbed “Trump tariffs”, but stressed the need for regional resilience in the face of growing global uncertainty.
“The global trading system is under intense strain. Malaysia’s trade with the US has long been mutually beneficial.
“But these measures may end up harming all. Winds may shift, but we do not drift,” he said at the conference held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.
Anwar said while Malaysian officials would be dispatched to Washington for dialogue, the country is also ramping up its trade diversification strategy, strengthening ties with partners across the European Union, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Prime Minister then urged Asean to deepen internal cooperation, stressing that the bloc’s US$3.5 trillion in goods trade can no longer be taken for granted as the rules-based global order continues to fray.
“Asean stands out as a beacon of hope and positivity. We are still broadly committed to openness, cooperation and institutional continuity but Asean must now rely more on itself.”
Anwar emphasised the need for real progress in regulatory alignment, cross-border logistics and digital connectivity.
He also stressed the importance of sub-regional projects like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and economic corridors along Malaysia’s borders with Thailand and Indonesia.
“While this will not be a silver bullet, it is nevertheless a significant step.
“By lowering barriers and coordinating policy between two closely linked economies, we create a demonstration effect, a case study in cross-border economic logic,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_396604" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers the keynote address at the Asean Investment Conference 2025, on the sidelines of the 12th Asean Finance Minister and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on April 8, 2025. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
As Asean chair this year, Anwar assured Malaysia will prioritise the revitalisation of strategic platforms such as Asean Plus Three, involving Japan, South Korea, and China, which he described as a “mechanism for economic resilience”.
Beyond infrastructure and logistics, Anwar pointed to the need for climate-resilient investments and a regional pivot toward green growth.
He said technologies like carbon capture and circular production were no longer fringe experiments but key to the region’s future industrial landscape.
He also announced the launch of the Asean Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for SMEs (small and medium enterprises), which is a move aimed at helping smaller businesses in the region navigate sustainability reporting and remain competitive in global supply chains.
Anwar also cautioned Asean members against retreating into nostalgia or fatalism, and called for greater regional integration through initiatives such as the Asean Power Grid and expanded digital payment connectivity.
“But Asean has always been a creature of evolution, not revolution. Its strength lies not in drama, but in durability.
“Over nearly six decades, it has withstood wars, crises, and coups, and still managed to inch forward, often frustratingly, but forward nonetheless,” he said.
Anwar revealed that Malaysia will today launch a new digital payment link with Cambodia, joining existing ones with Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
“The Trump tariffs are not the first challenge to multilateralism, nor will they be the last,” he said.
“If Asean can hold its nerve, staying open, pragmatic and cohesive, it may yet be among the last believers in a world that works better when it works together.”
