Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) chairman Tengku Zafrul Aziz has strongly rejected ex-minister Rafizi Ramli’s assertion that Malaysia faces nearly double US tariffs following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Tengku Zafrul, who previously served as minister of investment, trade and industry, accused Rafizi of misrepresenting the situation. “Rafizi, stop spinning the facts – it’s exhausting to keep responding. What is this claim about having to pay nearly double the tariff?” he posted on Facebook.
He clarified that the US Supreme Court decision invalidated tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s administration, meaning Malaysia is no longer subject to the 19% rate previously applied.
Rafizi had claimed that the ruling would force Malaysia to pay almost double the prior tariffs due to a rush to sign the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) with the US. He also suggested that Tengku Zafrul and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should be investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for hastily concluding the US trade deal, which is linked to a separate RM1.1 billion agreement with global semiconductor company Arm Holdings.
Responding, Tengku Zafrul denied any undue haste in signing the ART, emphasising that early action was necessary to safeguard Malaysia’s national interests. “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,” he said.
The dispute highlights tensions in Malaysia’s political discourse over trade policy and national preparedness in a rapidly shifting global economic landscape.
