Kuala Lampur, July 24 -- When Thailand's top trade strategist admitted this week that Bangkok "couldn't match" Vietnam's zero-tariff proposals to the United States, the alarm bells should have echoed in Putrajaya too. If a country with Thailand's export diversity and established relations with Washington is faltering under President Trump's revived tariff regime, then Malaysia must quickly realise it is no exception.

The harsh truth is this: Malaysia must build an ultra-competitive economy if it hopes not only to survive but to seize opportunities from the zero-tariff expectations now being tabled by Washington.

Without structural reform, we will continue absorbing punitive trade measures that not only damage exports but slow down criti...