PARLIAMENT | The opposition today questioned what became of the parliamentary caucus meant to be established over the United States’ tariffs.
According to Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), the opposition had nominated five names to be part of the caucus committee in a letter dated May 29, 2025.
He told the Dewan Rakyat today that this was in response to a letter from the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry dated May 16, 2025.
The five names nominated were: Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya), Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok), Ku Abddul Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Bachok), Bakri Jamaluddin (PN-Tangga Batu), and Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang).
Radzi, Ku Rahman, Wan Fayhsal and Syahir confirmed that they did not receive any invitation to join the caucus prior to the US setting Malaysia’s tariff rate at 19 percent.
Commenting on this, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin said the government has created a perception that it says one thing but does another.
“If the caucus had been formed and discussions held earlier, then I think we could have explained everything to the people.
“... So the problem is - why agree to form the caucus, then go ahead and make a deal with the US, and only now come to explain it to us?
“And when we get up to ask questions, the minister (Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz) runs away,” Hamzah said in his speech on the debate of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Reduced tariff
Right before the debate, Zafrul provided the Dewan with an explanation on the US tariffs, which have been set at 19 percent following negotiations with the country.
The tariffs will take effect starting Aug 7.
The new rate represents a six-percentage point reduction from the 25 percent reciprocal tariff announced last month.
On July 8, the US announced a blanket 25 percent tariff on all Malaysian products, separate from existing sectoral tariffs and one percentage point higher than the rate announced in April. - Mkini
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