KUALA LUMPUR, August 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament that Malaysia firmly defended its pro-Bumiputera policy during trade negotiations with the United States, rejecting external pressure to alter the affirmative action programme.
Despite US objections branding the policy as discriminatory, Malaysia upheld its stance and secured a 19% tariff rate, avoiding punitive increases that could have harmed the nation’s economy. Anwar emphasised the need for pragmatic diplomacy, saying Malaysia made selective concessions while safeguarding core national interests.
On aviation, he clarified that the Malaysia Aviation Group’s purchase of Boeing aircraft was balanced with Airbus orders, with both manufacturers required to expand operations in Malaysia. “This is about demand and rebuilding our aviation capacity,” he noted, citing the need to restore cancelled flight routes.
