1.The size of our economy is RM1.93 trillion based on the nominal GDP as at 2024.
2.Yesterday both Trump and Anwar signed off the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade on the pretext of strengthening bilateral relations.
3.The White House has coined it as “…allowing unprecedented access to each others markets..”
4.Reciprocal means to benefit both sides.However the deal benefits America.
5.Malaysia has agreed to purchase American products like aircrafts, semiconductors, aerospace components and data centre equipments.
6.Malaysia has further agreed to buy natural gas, coal plus telecommunication products and services.
7.For good measure we threw in capital fund investments as well.
8.A cursory glance of the Agreement shows that we will spend about RM1 trillion.That is half the size of our economy.
9.Do we have that much to shop around? Where are we getting the money from? Will we loan and take in more debt?
10.In return, the Government and Minister in charge of economy will no doubt crow about the 19% tariff that America has bestowed on us.
11.The tariff is on goods to US , which are more often than not microchips and the likes produced by American companies operating here to be sent back to America for Americans.
12.Where is the benefit then for Malaysia?
13.Why are we, as a natural gas producer buying natural gas from America?
14.This trade deal will benefit American immensely.
15.It is no more than a stark reminder that America will bully whomsoever it wants to.
16.Trump has played his tariff card well.The capitalist as he is.
17.Malaysia should have bandied around all countries that were opposed to the tariff and iron out strategies to withstand the impending imposition of “Trump Tarrif”.
18.He is facing a torrid time in Washington and there is a backlash from Americans.Trump needs to show that he is performing. The tariff was his way to make America great again.
19.Malaysia has taken the bait.For we have been regaled by the aura of Air Force One, road closures, maximun security, a ride in the Beast, the welcoming traditional dance, the sucking up and slave mentality to a white colonialist.
20.We have forgotten the strength of our own natural resources, our REE, our non-conformity to bullying tactics. We have forgotten our own pride of leading the smaller nations against the opressors.
21.All for a pen from the White House.
Rafique Rashid
27.10.2025
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of this site.