Malaysia Taps Career Diplomat as New US Ambassador Amid Tariffs

Malaysia has tapped a career diplomat as its new ambassador to the US, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Southeast Asian nation seeks tariff relief from Washington.

Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, who retired as secretary-general of Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry in 2022, will be the new envoy, although his appointment has yet to be ratified by Washington, the people said, asking not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly.