This study investigates the link between effective tax rates (ETR) and earnings management in a non‐Western context. It examines the use of accounting choice by Malaysian firms in response to an anticipated change in tax policy. We predict and find that large Malaysian firms with low effective tax rates decrease book income prior to a reduction in corporate tax in order to influence tax policy. Our empirical results are consistent with prior evidence in the US, that firms use accounting choice to realize economic objectives. The Malaysian evidence suggests that the result of a positive association between ETR and earnings management can be generalized outside the US context.