Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that despite concerns surrounding the tariffs, the US remained an important trading partner for Malaysia.

“We cannot act too hastily as there are uncertainties in some of the decisions announced by Trump,” Bernama reported him as saying.

“For instance, there was a policy change just yesterday when he decided to delay the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

“So, within a month, further policy shifts could happen, or the decision may be maintained.”

Anwar was replying to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) about the financial and fiscal measures that the government would take to protect the economy from the impact of Trump’s tariffs.

Lim also asked Anwar to outline the country’s stance on Trump’s tariffs and whether Malaysia would align itself with China, Canada, and Mexico.

Mexico and Canada ordered retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump’s tariffs, with China promising to challenge the looming trade war at the World Trade Organization.

Trump yesterday delayed threats of 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month and said he would hold further talks with China, which faces tariffs of 10%.

Separately, foreign minister Mohamad Hasan told the Dewan Rakyat that the government was committed to maintaining an open economy that relies on international trade.

Adding that Trump’s America First foreign policy had the potential to impact Malaysia, he said Malaysia was working to reconcile its interests with the policy changes.

“As a nation whose economy relies heavily on trade, we will certainly feel the effects either directly or indirectly,” he said.

“However, we are carefully monitoring the situation, and reports will be presented to the Cabinet from time to time.”