Anwar pointed out that the West has, for the last many decades, been “preaching” free trade.

“And now, when emerging economies appear to be establishing themselves with strong footing, suddenly you (the US) want to impose such tariffs.

“So I, as a matter of principle, object to this but then, we will have to weather the storm,” he said in an interview with TRT World’s Enda Brady.

Brady had asked Anwar on his One On One show to comment on potential trade wars and impending tariffs to be imposed by the Trump administration.

On Wednesday, The New York Times reported that Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on goods from China, all effective from Feb 1. He has also vowed to impose tariffs on goods from the European Union.

Anwar said Malaysia and other countries in Asean are encouraged to continue to have excellent bilateral relations with the US and China.

He said the EU also continues to be an important trading ally, alongside India and Australia.

“So I think we’re looking at broadening the base. That’s why we applied to join BRICS, to be able to be an effective trading nation,” he said.

Malaysia is among nine nations officially accepted as BRICS partners from Jan 1.

Asked what Trump’s return to the White House meant to Malaysia, Anwar said it is still a period of uncertainty and some “minor turbulence” in global affairs can be expected.

“Based on his statements, they have been protectionist. He wants to purely focus on the US.

“But I believe that this will settle after a few months because most of his colleagues and advisers are all international and corporate players who have much interest in the US as much as overseas,” he said.

He said any policy which is deemed to be not conducive for free trade will affect several regions, including Asean, as well as the US itself.