Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship unfolded amid rising geopolitical tensions, renewed protectionism, and a fragmented trading system shaped by unilateral reciprocal tariffs from the United States. Malaysia's Asean chairmanship unfolded amid rising geopolitical tensions, renewed protectionism, and a fragmented trading system shaped by unilateral reciprocal tariffs from the United States. For these reasons, 2025 was a consequential year for Asean and for Malaysia's role within it. Budget 2026 and the 13th Malaysia Plan provide a coherent framework for strengthening household resilience, improving competitiveness, and raising investment quality. Malaysia enters 2026 from a position of relative strength: a diversified economy, improving macroeconomic stability, and stronger regional standing.

Source: New Strait Times January 03, 2026 00:03 UTC