By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, May 5 — The United States’ tariffs are a timely reminder for Malaysia to strengthen domestic demand for homegrown products and build greater economic resilience, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While the tariffs are generally seen as unfavourable, they are an opportunity for “creative destruction” by turning global disruptions into momentum for local innovation and self-reliance, Anwar said during a dialogue session in response to a question on promoting local products.
Creative destruction is the process where innovations replace outdated systems, dismantling existing structures to create new economic opportunities.
“Yes, we should use our local expertise. When President (Donald) Trump said no to solar exports to the US, it was because many solar companies based here are Chinese. That’s why I’ve instructed all schools, universities, and hospitals to use Malaysian-made solar panels.
“This is what I mean by creative destruction, turning global disruptions into opportunities for innovation and local resilience. Of course, we must prioritise buying local products wherever possible,” he said.
Anwar was responding to a student’s question on the impact of US tariffs and a call to promote local products, during Temu Anwar — a meet-and-greet with private university students — at Management and Science University here today.
Citing an example, Anwar said semiconductors and electrical and electronic products are Malaysia’s biggest exports to the US, making up about 60 per cent of the sector’s shipments worth over RM40 billion.
He explained that while these items are currently excluded from the tariffs, future restrictions could pose serious challenges.
“If that changes, we’ll need to respond. That’s why, over the past two and a half years, we’ve worked to open up new markets, beyond India, China, (South) Korea, and Japan, by boosting trade within Asia and expanding ties with other countries.
“Domestic economic resilience is key,” he said.
Push for Myanmar ceasefire
Meanwhile, Anwar said, Malaysia is pushing for a ceasefire in Myanmar and urging the fair distribution of humanitarian aid to promote regional stability.
He was responding to another question on how Malaysia as Asean chair plans to enforce the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to resolve the ongoing Myanmar crisis.
Anwar said the government is engaging Myanmar’s junta and the opposition National Unity Government, in line with Asean’s 5PC, which urges an immediate end to violence and inclusive political dialogue.
“We are speaking to both sides. There must be a ceasefire, and any aid must be non-discriminatory,” he said.
He added that Malaysia has set up a field hospital and is prepared to continue extending aid, but only if the violence comes to an end.
“There is some positive progress now,” he said.
He called on regional leaders, especially from Indonesia and Thailand, to keep pressing for peace and inclusivity, and stressed that strong, consistent diplomatic engagement is key to reintegrating Myanmar into the Asean community.
