What will Malaysia get from joining BRICS
This move to join BRICS indicates a strategic pivot from the traditionally pro-American stance, reflecting Malaysia's efforts to balance its foreign relations.
Malaysia's bid for BRICS membership signals a significant shift in its foreign policy, aiming to diversify international alliances and challenge Western dominance.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that Malaysia may join BRICS has sparked shock in Kuala Lumpur. It may also have sparked more disbelief in the Western capitals.
This move indicates a strategic pivot from the traditionally pro-American stance, reflecting Malaysia's efforts to balance its foreign relations.
Asir Fatagar
By aligning with BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—Malaysia seeks to broaden its geopolitical influence and reduce reliance on Western powers.
The decision highlights Malaysia's commitment to fostering a more multipolar world order and enhancing its global economic and political standing.
BRICS Overview
BRICS was formed in 2006 and comprises major emerging economies. Its focus areas include economic growth, political stability, and social development, with the goal of creating a more balanced and multipolar world order.
Malaysia’s Strategic Importance: Anwar highlighted the strategic importance of Malaysia’s potential BRICS membership. The Straits of Malacca, a crucial shipping lane connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans, underscores Malaysia’s significance in global trade.
Challenging Unipolarity: Anwar expressed relief that the world is no longer unipolar, emphasizing that independent countries should be free to express themselves without Western dominance.
Economic Benefits: Joining BRICS could enhance Malaysia’s economic competitiveness, attract foreign investments, and foster increased trade activities with other BRICS members.
Impact on Relations with the USA: While not explicitly stated in Anwar's statement, Malaysia’s BRICS membership may signal a divergence from the US-Western world. It remains to be seen how this shift will impact Malaysia’s relations with the USA.
Malaysia’s bid for BRICS membership reflects its ambition to regain international influence, diversify economic partnerships, and assert itself on the global stage.
The move challenges the existing Western narrative and opens up new avenues for cooperation and diplomacy.