The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman Tengku Zafrul Aziz has criticised former minister Rafizi Ramli for claiming that Malaysia would face nearly double the tariff rate on exports to the United States after a recent US Supreme Court decision.
Tengku Zafrul, who previously served as investment, trade and industry minister, accused Rafizi of distorting the facts in a Facebook post.
Rebuttal to Tariff Claims
“Rafizi, stop spinning the facts – it’s exhausting to keep responding. What is this claim about having to pay nearly double the tariff?” Tengku Zafrul wrote.
He explained that the US Supreme Court struck down the tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s administration, meaning the previous 19% rate applied to Malaysia no longer stands.
Rafizi had suggested that the court ruling would result in Malaysia facing almost double the earlier tariff level. He linked this to what he described as a rushed push to sign the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States.
Defence of Proactive Approach
Trump responded to the Supreme Court decision by vowing to impose a 10% tariff on all imports into the US.
Rafizi argued that if any party should face scrutiny from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over hastily concluded agreements, it should be Tengku Zafrul and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim regarding the US trade deal.
The MACC is currently investigating a separate government agreement with a foreign firm, reportedly worth RM1.1 billion, which was allegedly finalised too quickly and not in the government’s favour.
Rafizi has previously said that issues surrounding a deal with semiconductor firm Arm Holdings were being exaggerated to discredit him.
Tengku Zafrul rejected accusations of haste in securing the ART, stating that the government acted early to safeguard national interests.
He compared the move to purchasing travel insurance.
“Before travelling, people often think nothing will happen. But if they end up hospitalised overseas, the bill can run into tens of thousands of ringgit. That’s when they understand why paying for takaful or insurance matters.
“ART works the same way – we prepare early. In today’s global environment, those who move slowly pay a heavy price.
“Some people wait for the storm – and only then start talking about how to save the country.”
