By Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Jumat
Johor State Legislative Assemblyman, Kempas N47 (2013-2018).
1. The 45th & 47th President of the United States’ visit to Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur will not be a courtesy call. It will be a mission of interest. Washington under Donald J Trump sees the region not as partners of equals, but as pieces on a chessboard in America’s contest with China. At the heart of that game lies one glittering prize: ASEAN’s critical minerals, the lifeblood of modern technology and defense.
2. Strategic minerals are now seen as national security assets. For example, the U.S. is actively working to secure supplies of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals to reduce dependence on dominant suppliers (especially China).
3. Malaysia is a possible source. Reports indicate Malaysia has large REE / critical mineral reserves estimated around 16 million metric tonnes worth about RM500 billion and is positioning to refine/ upgrade its capacity.
4. Even if we do sign with the US on the REE deal, China will not flinch as their technology is way superior than any other competing country and they know it will be at the earliest 5 years before the US can see the results.
5. Malaysia however could be at a disadvantage as China would then not likely share any technologies with us in the future.
6. Trump’s America will come with smiles, handshakes, and the promise of “mutual prosperity”, with a touch of intimidation. Yet behind the charm lies the same strategic hunger to secure trade routes, gain mineral access, and pull Southeast Asia closer to the U.S. supply chain. Malaysia, with its rare earth reserves and strategic location, will naturally be at the top of that list.
7. He will talk about partnership, but what he really seeks is leverage. Trump’s record shows he respects strength and exploits weakness. Those who bend quickly earn deals that benefit Washington first; those who stand firm earn his grudging respect. If ASEAN countries line up too eagerly, Malaysia must not be swept along by the tide of flattery.
8. The challenge for us is delicate, ie to defend our national interest without offending our neighbours. If others choose to sign away their mineral rights or open their markets too widely, that is their sovereign choice. But Malaysia must stand its ground. Our message should be calm and clear: we support regional cooperation, but not at the cost of Malaysia’s long-term security and control.
9. When Trump speaks of “rebalancing trade,” he means tilting it his way. When he speaks of “supply-chain security,” he means making sure the U.S. controls the source. Malaysia cannot afford to be dazzled by short-term investment promises or fast-talking envoys. We have seen how deals that look generous today can chain us tomorrow.
10. Our leadership must also recall the lessons of Al Gore’s 1998 visit, when a U.S. leader used our own stage to lecture us. That moment burned into our memory, a reminder that American diplomacy often turns moralistic when we disagree. Trump may not moralize, but he threatens. His language is different, yet the pressure is the same.
11. If that moment comes again; a threat of tariffs, a warning about “choosing sides,” or hints of diplomatic chill, Malaysia must respond with quiet firmness. No shouting, no surrender. Just the confidence of a nation that knows its value. We can work with the U.S., but only on equal footing.
12. To keep that balance, Malaysia should rally ASEAN not as followers but as partners in principle. We can propose a collective framework for critical-mineral trade; transparent, fair, and respecting national sovereignty. This allows every member to deal with the U.S. without being isolated or bullied individually. Unity is not submission; it is protection.
13. At home, we must also strengthen our own industry. Instead of exporting raw materials, Malaysia should demand joint ventures, technology sharing, and local processing rights. Whoever wants our minerals must invest in our people, not just our ground.
14. We must remember: respect in global politics is earned not by compliance, but by consistency. The U.S. respects nations that know what they want, even if it frustrates them. Malaysia’s best shield is clarity, backed by calm strength.
15. Trump’s ASEAN charm offensive will test every leader’s resolve. Some may yield for convenience; others may overreact for pride. Malaysia must choose a wiser middle path that is cooperative, but uncompromising in principle.
16. And when the last handshake fades, the speeches end, and the streets in the capital are returned to the KL folks, let it be known that Malaysia may trade with everyone but will be owned by no one.
** _The writer is a Malaysian citizen who believes sovereignty begins with self-respect._
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