KUALA LUMPUR: Expanding trade among Asean member countries will help quell geopolitical and economic uncertainties, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He stressed that Malaysia will continue practising open trade, and is active across various international cooperations.
“Internal trade (in Asean) is still low. We want to explore ways to trade among Asean member countries and improve on this,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Feb 4).
He reiterated Malaysia’s neutral stance except against countries that violate human rights and international laws.
“This is in line with our foreign policies which are independent, principled and pragmatic where we are committed to strengthening relations with other countries for the benefit of all,” he said.
On the “America First” policy introduced by the new US administration, Mohamad noted that it has the potential to change that country’s approach towards others, which can impact Malaysia.
However, he said Malaysia will take strategic measures to balance the country’s interest with the United States’ new approach.
“We are looking at the situation closely and will update the Cabinet from time to time.
“We will also take the opportunity to continue strengthening our bilateral relations with (the United States),” he said.
Mohamad said Malaysia also practises a multilateral approach to tackle global challenges that arise.
“We will continue working with other countries, which is why we have also been accepted as a partner country of BRICS,” he said.
Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) had asked how Malaysia intends to leverage its role as Asean chair to balance relations between the grouping and BRICS, taking into consideration economic threats by the United States under President Donald Trump.
Trump has postponed the planned 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada for 30 days following talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
However, he is expected to go ahead with the 10% tariff on China.
He has also said BRICS member countries could face 100% tariffs if they attempted to create a new currency or support one that would replace the US dollar in international trade.
