Kuala Lumpur, July 22 -- Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's stance on factors that may affect the country's policies, especially regarding tariff negotiations with the US.

PM Anwar on July 21 said although Malaysia wishes to maintain trade and investment relations with the US, the country will still keep its core positions to protect the interests of its people, even if it is perceived as "discriminatory" by external parties.

In the coming time, Malaysia will continue a more thorough and firm approach in order to safeguard national interests, while continuing to strengthen trade relations with other countries, including China and ASEAN members, as a step to expand market access.

He said Malaysia...