KAJANG, April 4- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will chair a Special Committee Meeting this afternoon to discuss the issue regarding the United States (US) imposing reciprocal tariffs.

He stated that the meeting will be attended by the Cabinet, the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, and the Chairman of the Advisory Policy Committee to the Prime Minister, Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.

"We are indeed slightly affected, although the rates are high but lower than some neighboring countries; that is why we have decided to hold negotiations with my counterparts.

"I have contacted Thailand and just now the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and the President of the Philippines, and afterwards Singapore.

"So that there is an agreement on how we respond and demand for principles of fairness in trade dealings with foreign countries, including ASEAN with the US.

"Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, as the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), has contacted his counterparts and will hold a session on Thursday with ASEAN trade ministers, and from there we will refer directly," said Anwar.

He spoke to reporters after attending Friday prayers and having lunch at Masjid Prima Saujana, here.

The Prime Minister added that all aspects require careful consideration to safeguard the country's economic interests, especially in the semiconductor sector, which is largely exported to the US, accounting for about 60 to 65 percent, including 26 percent of the semiconductor needs in the US.