**Southeast Asian Leaders Pursue Collaborative Tariff Discussions with Trump, According to Malaysia’s Prime Minister**
In a shocking turn of events that has left economists scratching their heads and comedians rolling on the floor, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, announced that Southeast Asian leaders are set to engage in collaborative tariff discussions with none other than former President Donald Trump. The meeting, dubbed “Tariffpalooza 2023,” is expected to take place in a luxurious golf resort where the only thing higher than the tariffs will be the golf scores.
“Look, we figured if we can’t beat him, we might as well join him on the golf course,” said Prime Minister Ismail, who was last seen trying to explain the concept of tariffs to a confused parrot. “We’re hoping to negotiate some deals while Trump is distracted by the shiny golf balls.”
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Trump is particularly excited about the prospect of tariffs on “exotic fruits” from Southeast Asia. “I love mangoes, but I want them to be the best mangoes. The best! And if that means charging a little extra, then so be it,” Trump reportedly said while practicing his swing with a pineapple.
Meanwhile, Indonesian President Joko Widodo chimed in, “We’re just here for the snacks. If we can get some of those famous American hot dogs in exchange for our palm oil, I think we’ve struck a deal!”
As the leaders prepare for the summit, rumors are swirling that they might also discuss a new trade agreement for “tropical vacation packages” that would allow Americans to experience the joys of Southeast Asia without ever leaving their couch. “We’ll call it ‘Tariff and Chill,’” joked Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, who is still trying to figure out how to fit a beach into his busy schedule.
In the end, it seems that while tariffs may be serious business, the Southeast Asian leaders are determined to keep the negotiations light-hearted. “If we can’t laugh about it, what’s the point?” Ismail concluded, as he accidentally knocked over a stack of golf clubs while trying to demonstrate a swing. “Now that’s a tariff I can get behind!”
