By Andreano Ng

Trusted Independent Consultant | Strategic Business & Tech Collaborator

🧭 Disclaimer: A Citizen’s Lens, Not a Political One

This article is written from the perspective of a concerned Malaysian citizen, professional, and business strategist. I do not represent or endorse any political party. My aim is to offer a balanced, constructive view—one that invites thoughtful dialogue and empowers others to think critically about national decisions.

📌 Context: What Sparked the Debate?

Recently, former Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim posted a critique on Instagram regarding Malaysia’s trade deal with the United States. His post highlighted:

• Malaysia’s commitment to invest and purchase over RM1 trillion in US assets and goods

• A 6% reduction in US import tariffs on Malaysian goods (from 25% to 19%)

• His concern that the deal is heavily skewed, calling it “like paying RM24 to save RM1”

• The commitment is 13 times larger than Malaysia’s trade surplus with the US last year

This sparked widespread discussion about whether Malaysia is giving up too much for too little in return.

🧠 MITI’s Perspective: Strategic Guardrails & Long-Term Vision

MITI Minister Tengku Zafrul responded with a more strategic framing:

• Malaysia refused US demands on rare earth exclusivity and Bumiputera policies—preserving sovereignty

• Semiconductor tariffs remain at 0%, protecting a vital export sector

• No retaliation was pursued, recognizing the US as a key investor and trade partner

• Malaysia is actively diversifying trade ties with South Korea, EU, GCC, and ASEAN to reduce dependency

MITI also announced:

• RM500 million in financing for affected SMEs

• RM25 billion reform program for high-value sectors

• Strategic use of 18 existing FTAs to buffer impact

📊 Zaid’s Critique vs. MITI’s Strategy: A Fair Comparison

Zaid’s metaphor—“RM24 to save RM1”—is based on:

• RM1 trillion commitment over 10 years

• RM10.4 billion annual tariff savings

His concern: poor return on investment, and loss of leverage.

But trade deals are rarely one-dimensional. MITI’s broader goals include:

• Investor confidence

• Supply chain stability

• Geopolitical goodwill

• Positioning Malaysia as a high-tech hub

🤝 A Call for Balanced Dialogue

This isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about understanding the stakes. Malaysia is navigating a global landscape where diplomacy, economics, and national interest intersect. As professionals and citizens, we must ask:

• Are we protecting long-term sovereignty?

• Are our SMEs and strategic sectors being supported?

• Are we building resilience, not just chasing short-term gains?

🪞 Final Thought: Fair, Friendly, Firm

Leadership isn’t just about bold moves—it’s about wise ones. Let’s continue to evaluate with fairness, engage with friendliness, and stand firm in our pursuit of sustainable, sovereign progress.