December 4, 2025
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) Boeing aircraft purchase is not a misuse of taxpayers’ money, but a strategic business decision planned in advance and fully financed through the company’s own funds, said Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister clarified that the deal was announced as early as March this year, before any import tariff announcements by US President Donald Trump.
“So what does this purchase have to do with tariff negotiations?” he questioned in a post on his official X account yesterday.
He explained that the US imposed the 25 per cent tariffs partly due to its trade deficit, where it imports more from Malaysia than it exports. To address this, Malaysia listed upcoming large-scale purchases from US companies — including the Boeing order.
“We are not making the purchase just to reduce tariffs,” Tengku Zafrul stressed.
He noted that the move highlighted Malaysia as a significant buyer of US goods, helping convince the US to reduce tariffs on Malaysian products from 25 per cent to 19 per cent.
“This smart strategy stems from careful negotiations, ensuring both national and corporate interests are safeguarded,” he said.
In March, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced MAG’s firm order of 30 Boeing 737 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2030. — Bernama
