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Malaysia's Former PM, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Suggests Shift in Global Power Dynamics
TOKYO, May 30 - In a speech at the Nikkei Future of Asia conference, former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad discussed the evolving global power landscape, asserting that the United States' dominant position post-World War II is facing challenges, particularly from China.
Expressing his viewpoint, Dr Mahathir contended that China's long-standing civilization and resilience would ensure its rise to become the world's foremost power. He reiterated that the US may lack the capacity to halt China's ascension due to growing domestic distractions.
Critical of US President Donald Trump's tariff policies, Dr Mahathir stated that the measures could alienate the US globally and ultimately harm American consumers due to increased reliance on imports. He also disagreed with Trump's characterization of the world as an enemy, suggesting the US president might reconsider imposing tariffs within three months.
In earlier comments to TIME magazine, Dr Mahathir had criticized American foreign policies under the Trump administration for hypocrisy and causing destruction. However, he downplayed the potential of India challenging China's influence, citing India's complex social structure and fragmented governance.
Dr Mahathir also addressed the issue of the US dollar's dominance in international trade, expressing concern over the ease with which Washington imposes sanctions on other countries. He advocated for a new gold-based international trading currency, which could reduce American economic hegemony.
This call for a new currency is not a new one for Dr Mahathir. In 2019, he put forth the idea in Tokyo, arguing that a gold-backed currency would be more stable, offering an alternative to the current manipulative currency trading system.
In summary, Dr Mahathir Mohamad foresees a shift in the global power dynamic away from American dominance towards a more multipolar world, with China's rise and economic alliances reducing the United States' central role. He also supports movements that weaken the US dollar's global reserve status, potentially signaling the end of the "American century."
- In response to the changing global power landscape, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, suggested a shift towards a multipolar world, potentially signaling the end of the United States' dominant role.
- Dr Mahathir claimed that China's long-standing civilization and resilience would ensure its rise to become the world's foremost power, challenging the US' post-World War II position.
- The former Malaysian Prime Minister criticized US President Donald Trump's tariff policies, suggesting they could harm American consumers due to increased reliance on imports and alienate the US globally.
- In a move aimed at reducing American economic hegemony, Dr Mahathir advocated for a new gold-based international trading currency, a proposal he first made in 2019, dismissing India as a significant challenger to China's influence.
