Prime Minister of Malaysia: BRICS a novel initiative to strengthen Global South solidarity
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and TV BRICS, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in an interview with the outlet, elaborated on his country’s stance regarding its role within BRICS and emphasized the group’s importance in strengthening Global South cooperation.
The Prime minister highlighted Malaysia’s recognition as a BRICS partner in 2025, stating: “Malaysia is a trading nation and a core ASEAN member. Thus, our policy is engagement with all countries. BRICS represents a fresh initiative and cohesive force among Global South nations. We make joint decisions, assist one another, and engage with other global players—this means safeguarding our interests while actively collaborating with others.”
Stressing that closer ties with BRICS will undoubtedly impact Malaysia’s economy, he said: “Our top priorities in coming years include digital conversion, enhancing connectivity infrastructure, and major investments in AI and data centers. Malaysia is already a regional hub for semiconductors,data centers,and emerging technologies.”
Ibrahim also mentioned Malaysia’s energy transition: “With ASEAN neighbors, we are advancing a regional power grid project to enable clean energy exchange across Southeast Asia.”
Citing food security as another key priority, he added: “Cooperation with Russia, China, and Brazil will bolster our resilience in this sector.”
On digital transformation strategies: “We have clear policies—a National Semiconductor Strategy has been drafted. Major firms like Google Microsoft NVIDIA Infineon have invested heavily here Our focus now is productivity infrastructure upskilling workforce.”
Reviving Asian Monetary Fund idea:
Not competition but creating safety margin protect regional economic interests Under Chiang Mai Initiative central banks collaborate using local currencies eg Thailand Indonesia China already conduct ~20% trade (~billions USD) locally.
Malaysia resilient growing economy:
FTAs UAE UK EU boosted intl confidence Negotiating similar pacts other-BRICS/BRICS+ nations.
BRICS focus areas like commodities petrochemical gas agri-products add value members often face global-market challenges.
Asean Chairmanship-2025:
May-end summit prioritize economic issues GCC attend followed China econ-meet Year-end host East-Asia India Australia NZ US leaders-summit consolidate trade partnerships uphold rules-based multilateralism.
Sustainable Progress Goals (SDGs):
ASEAN peaceful dynamic region Economic growth main-priority must align environmental clean-energy goals Regional-power-grid shows commitment fossil-to-renewables shift eg gas hydro.
52% land pristine forests:
“Industrialized nations who damaged environment now advise developing-world without delivering pledged support We could profit logging but chose preserve nature short-term gains.” Expect developed-states honor commitments “We seek no charity just promises fulfilled.” Cultural-exchange vital progress beyond GDP metrics human-development justice peace values matter Women pivotal family education environment health roles Intl-Women-Assoc activities highlight cultural-social participation building fairer sustainable future.
