By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Malaysia’s decision to engage with BRICS is driven by economic pragmatism rather than geopolitical alignment, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He clarified that its recent admission as a country partner in the intergovernmental organisation does not reflect a shift in its foreign policy or alignment with any specific bloc.
“We remain neutral, based on our principle of being friendly with like-minded countries through converging interests,” Khaled said at the forum ‘Asean Dynamism: Capitalising on Opportunities and Navigating Transitions’, in conjunction with the Malaysia Economic Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
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Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin speaks during the forum ‘Asean Dynamism: Capitalising on Opportunities and Navigating Transitions’, in conjunction with the Malaysia Economic Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, on January 9, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Malaysia, along with 12 other countries, was officially added as a partner country in the BRICS alliance on October 24 last year. The other nations are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Highlighting BRICS’ significance, he said that the bloc represents 45 per cent of the global population and 28 per cent of the world economy, offering Malaysia access to vast emerging markets.
As a trading nation, expanding partnerships is vital for Malaysia’s economic growth, as BRICS membership opens doors to opportunities for collaboration in various areas.
“Therefore, I believe that we cannot ignore the potential that BRICS offer to Malaysia.
“By joining BRICS, we gain not only economic opportunities but also avenues for collaboration in critical areas such as climate change intervention, research and development, advancements in emerging technologies, and the sharing of best practices.
“Importantly, we must emphasise that our participation in BRICS does not mean we are leaving our traditional trading partners,” Khaled said.
When asked about Malaysia's relationship with Russia within the BRICS framework, the minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a neutral foreign policy.
“We are not abandoning dollar-based treaties or transactions, nor are we dismantling any existing relationships.
“It is not a matter of choosing BRICS over our current partnerships. What we are doing is adding more avenues for collaboration to ensure Malaysia has diverse and strategic options,” he said.
Such an approach aligns with Asean principles of neutrality and engagement with all, as long as it brings benefits.
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Japan’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies associate professor Guanie Lim (right) speaks during the forum ‘Asean Dynamism: Capitalising on Opportunities and Navigating Transitions’, in conjunction with the Malaysia Economic Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, on January 9, 2025. — Picture via FACEBOOK/KHALED NORDIN[/caption]
Meanwhile, Japan’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies associate professor Guanie Lim emphasised the strategic advantages for Malaysia in joining BRICS, arguing that participation opens doors to opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.
“You are better off being part of BRICS than staying on the outside, especially as its membership continues to expand.
“Right now, the bloc might seem somewhat random (fragmented), with no clear common influence. But this was the same perception we had 10 or 15 years ago, and yet, the membership has grown significantly since then.
“It is still kind of random, but it is far more structured and impactful than it was before. If you choose not to be part of it, you risk missing out on the opportunities it offers,” he said, adding that the most immediate benefit of joining is the chance to be part of the process.
