4/5/2025–|Last update: 4/5/202505:24 PM (Mecca time)
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed considered that the American customs duties are part of a broader attempt by the United States to weaken China.
In an interview with the newspaper “South China Morning Post”, he stressed that these efforts will not succeed, saying: “You cannot stop China.” He pointed out that China possesses “technology and ability” to overcome the economic slowdown, and that its market is greater than Europe and America combined.
Mahathir, 99, described the recent US measures under President Donald Trump’s administration, a “empire” mentality, noting that the era of empires has ended. He considered that Trump’s policies, including customs duties and threats to include lands such as Canada and Greenland, reflect the decline in American influence.
On his country, Malaysia, in which he held the position of Prime Minister for the longest period in the country’s history, Mahathir stressed the importance of its neutrality, saying, “We must not be sided with any party, neither America nor China.” He criticized the current government led by Anwar Ibrahim, accusing it of its inclination towards China and preferring economic gains over the principles, which may harm the image of Malaysia as an unbiased country.
After Trump imposed 24% customs duties on Malaysia last month before hanging 90 days, Malaysia is seeking a friendly solution with the United States.
On the other hand, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged to establish strong trade relations with China during a visit to President Xi Jinping last month, describing him as a rational leader at a time when global turmoil.
