SHAH ALAM - As global trade tensions continue to rise under United States (US) President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies, Malaysia’s cautious diplomatic approach could help shield it from direct retaliation by Washington.
Despite appearing to align with East Asian powers such as China, Japan and South Korea in opposing US tariffs, the risk of Malaysia being directly targeted remains relatively low.
According to Professor Dr Jatswan Singh of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Taylor’s University, smaller nations like Malaysia are not usually the main focus of US trade disputes.
"If Malaysia were to explore alliances that challenge or counterbalance US interests, like the China-Japan- South Korea cooperation, it is unlikely that the country would be directly targeted in any form of retaliation.
"From the perspective of the Trump administration, the priority would likely be to respond to major economic players such as China, Japan, India or the European Union (EU)—countries with the economic weight to significantly influence global trade dynamics.
"Smaller nations like Malaysia are not the primary focus in such global economic confrontations,” he said in an interview with Sinar Daily.
Malaysia, he added, has a history of avoiding direct confrontations with global powers on economic issues, often choosing to steer clear of unnecessary entanglements.
However, Jatswan believed that there is merit in observing how other smaller yet economically vibrant nations, such as Singapore, have taken firm public positions.
"If more smaller countries, including Malaysia, were to stand together and express their concerns, it could collectively send a powerful signal.
"Such a unified stance might pressure the US administration to reassess its tariff strategy, especially if it becomes clear that these policies are harming global economic growth,” he added.
Jatswan stressed that every country, including the US, ultimately acts to protect its own economic interests and the well-being of its people.
Malaysia and its Asean neighbours, he said, must also look out for their own.
"While Asean countries are not in a position to initiate a trade war against the US, they can and should make it known that the imposition of tariffs is detrimental not just to individual countries, but to the global economy as a whole.
"The message to the US should be clear...these policies are pushing the world economy backward and a reassessment is needed.
"Ultimately, the decision lies with the Americans, but the world’s collective voice matters,” he added.