Anwar says Malaysia assessing impact of US midterm election results, including tariffs

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was discussed in depth during today’s Cabinet meeting and Malaysia will continue to monitor the situation, including potential implications regarding the implementation of reciprocal tariffs. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 06 Nov 2026 4:21 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — The government is examining the short and medium-term impacts across various aspects following political developments in the United States (US), where the Republican Party suffered a defeat in the midterm elections on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was discussed in depth during today’s Cabinet meeting and Malaysia will continue to monitor the situation, including potential implications regarding the implementation of reciprocal tariffs.

“…however, our relations with the current administration, the existing government, as well as both incumbent and newly elected members of Congress including the House of Representatives will continue,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Taman Kosas Mosque, near here, today.

The Republican Party, led by President Donald Trump, was reportedly defeated by the Democratic Party, which secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections on Tuesday.

Offering a personal perspective on these developments, Anwar welcomed the shift, viewing it as a rejection by the electorate of politics rooted in racial and religious hatred including anti-Islamic sentiment and hostility toward minority groups.

“From a global standpoint, I see this as a positive signal, many [of those elected] oppose attacks and hostility toward Islam, as well as hostility toward Iran. Hopefully, this will help ease international geopolitical tensions,” he said. — Bernama