By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will announce the tariff rate set by the United States tomorrow, following a phone call with United States President Donald Trump earlier today.
Anwar hinted at a potentially lower rate, saying Washington agreed to delay the announcement after Anwar explained Malaysia’s position.
“We also touched on the various rounds of negotiations being led by Miti (Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry) with the US Trade Representative and the US Secretary of Commerce.
“Following our discussion and the explanation I gave, President Trump decided to postpone the announcement to the next day.
“The tariff rates will be announced tomorrow, and we pray, God willing, that the decision will be favourable and not burden our national economy,” he said at the start of his speech when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar also said Trump agreed to attend the Asean Summit, which will be held here from October 26 to 28.
He added that during his phone call with Trump, the president praised Malaysia’s role in mediating peace talks between Cambodia and Thailand, which resulted in a ceasefire.
“In my response, I said (the truce) was achieved due to Asean consensus and the positive attitude and cooperation of both nations.”
On Monday, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire after leaders from both countries attended peace talks in Putrajaya, mediated by Anwar.
