PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will not compromise on its Bumiputera policy during ongoing tariff negotiations with the US, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said that while Malaysia valued its trade and investment ties with the economic superpower, Putrajaya remained firm that there must be clear boundaries or “red lines” in the negotiations.
“The Cabinet has discussed this multiple times, but we have our position, we have our red lines – and we’re prepared to face the risks,” he said, reported Berita Harian.
“What is that red line? Do not interfere with our national policies.
“They (US) say the Bumiputera policy is discriminatory. We say it’s not. Malaysia stands by the policies we have adopted… This is our red line,” he said during the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, added that procurement and opportunities for local companies must be protected during negotiations with the US.
He said Malaysia was committed to safeguarding its national interests while continuing to strengthen trade relations with other countries, including China and Asean member nations, to expand market access.
“We must continue to trade and engage constructively with all countries, but no country should be allowed to impose conditions that put pressure on us,” he said in a Bernama report.
Negotiations between Malaysia and the US have been ongoing following the announcement of a 25% tariff on Malaysian goods earlier this month. The tariff is expected to take effect on Aug 1.
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) previously cited Malaysia’s halal import rules and Bumiputera equity requirements as barriers leading to the 24% tariff initially imposed on April 2.
In its 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the USTR said that Malaysia’s halal standards exceeded international norms, requiring dedicated halal-only facilities and involving complex registration processes, which raised costs and delay exports.
The report also highlighted investment barriers, particularly the requirement for 30% Bumiputera ownership in foreign-owned firms and restrictions in sectors such as oil and gas, media, and public procurement.
