Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has called on ASEAN nations to form a united front in their dealings with the United States, warning that Washington’s increasingly protectionist stance—particularly under former President Donald Trump’s tariff-heavy policies—could trigger a lasting shift in global trade dynamics.
In an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun, Mahathir criticized U.S. trade policy for harming not only its trading partners, but also its own economy. "America is a big market. But high tariffs disrupt this market. Exporters struggle, and even American industries suffer, especially those dependent on imported technologies like microchips," he said. He added that despite Trump's posturing, the U.S. has already begun to "give in" on electronics imports due to the sector’s strategic importance.
Warning that continued reliance on high tariffs would isolate the U.S. economically, Mahathir predicted a global pivot away from American markets. "The shift could become permanent. Once other suppliers are found, countries won’t return to American sources. The U.S. is pushing partners—especially in ASEAN—toward alternative markets like China."
The veteran statesman also urged Southeast Asian nations to resist being divided in negotiations. “Trump doesn’t want to deal with ASEAN as a bloc because individual countries are weaker,” he said. “But a united ASEAN is our best strategy.”
Mahathir pushed back against claims that ASEAN is leaning toward China. “It is America’s own actions that drive us toward Beijing. We want good relations with both the U.S. and China. But if the U.S. rejects us, we have no choice but to trade more with China—which is already Malaysia’s largest market.”
He further suggested that current U.S. trade policy reverses decades of post-war globalization progress. “The Marshall Plan helped rebuild Europe. Then came globalization and a borderless world. Trump is reversing that legacy. We should return to the principles of open trade and strengthen institutions like the WTO.”
On Japan’s role in the region, Mahathir spoke positively about Tokyo’s historic investments in Southeast Asia and called for Japan to expand its leadership globally, rather than acting primarily as a U.S. ally. “Japan should be an enabler for the world, not just a neighbor of the U.S. I believe Japan will recover and lead again, especially in fields like medicine.”
Mahathir also expressed concern about the global state of democracy, noting that many democracies are now led by people who deny climate change or promote war as a solution. “Democracy is failing in its ability to select competent leaders. That’s why we are in this situation.”
Calling for a return to international cooperation, Mahathir concluded that ASEAN’s strength lies in unity, moderation, and pragmatism. “Only by standing together can we chart a course that ensures stability, development, and respect in a multipolar world.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
