According to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia is getting ready to become a member of the BRICS group of emerging economies. “We have made a decision; we will be placing the formal procedures soon. We are just waiting for the final results from the government in South Africa”, Anwar said in an interview with Shanghai-based new site Guancha.
Originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS group derives its name from these member nations. Last year, the group began expanding its membership to challenge the Western-dominated world order. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates joined, and over 40 countries have expressed interest. The new members' admission became effective on January 1.
A representative from the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office confirmed Anwar Ibrahim’s comments on Tuesday. Anwar did not elaborate on the BRICS application process. In the interview, he emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to the Global South and highlighted the strategic importance of potential BRICS membership due to the Strait of Malacca, a crucial shipping lane connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
He said he was relieved that the world was no longer unipolar, and Brics provided a ray of hope that there are checks and balances in it. “We can no longer accept the scenario where the West wants to control the discourse because the fact is they are not colonial powers anymore, and independent countries should be free to express themselves”, he added.
Anwar’s remarks were made ahead of Chinese Premier Li Qiang's three-day visit this week, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. During Li's visit, Malaysia and China are expected to sign several agreements, including the renewal of a five-year trade and economic cooperation pact.