KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — The United States (US) respects Malaysia’s sovereign right to pursue its own foreign and economic policy, including its interest in exploring opportunities with the BRICS economic grouping, said US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
He said that Washington understands Malaysia’s motivation to expand trade and investment opportunities globally, but stressed that its long-term economic prosperity remains anchored in its integration within Western supply chains, a relationship strengthened by the recently signed US-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
"The US has a deep appreciation of Malaysia’s views on its foreign policy, and we recognise Malaysia has a sovereign right to do what is in its best interest, and we understand what is driving the interest in BRICS.
“At the same time, the President has been very clear about what some red lines are and the potential consequences that would come from crossing those," Kagan said in a recent interview with Bernama.
BRICS is a group comprising eleven countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
He added that while the BRICS might offer limited economic benefits to Malaysia under certain circumstances, it should not be seen as conflicting with the country’s deepening economic partnership with the US.
“I do not see it as a zero-sum game. Malaysia can consider the possibility that there might be economic benefit under some circumstances to being involved with BRICS, and at the same time, strengthen its already strong economic relationship with the US,” Kagan said.
He noted that Malaysia’s “deep integration in Western supply chains”, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, green technology and advanced manufacturing, has been vital to its economic resilience and global competitiveness.
“The integration has been reinforced by the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade," Kagan said, referring to the trade pact signed during US President Donald Trump’s official visit to Malaysia last week.
The ambassador reiterated that the US remains committed to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with Malaysia and ensuring continued investor confidence.
“President Trump had a wonderful time in Malaysia.
"He was extremely happy with the opportunity to see it firsthand, and with the relationship he built with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and that we were able to work so well together," he said.
