Malaysia Eyes BRICS Membership

Malaysia is seeking to join the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) intergovernmental organization, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at a gathering in Mengkuang Semarah, Anwar revealed that he had conveyed Malaysia’s intentions to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Anwar explained that the Foreign Ministry had conducted a two-month study on Malaysia’s policy before deciding to pursue BRICS membership. “We will go through the process to enable the country to join the organization,” he said.

In an interview with Shanghai-based news site Guancha, Anwar mentioned that Malaysia is now awaiting the final decision and feedback from the South African government regarding its application.

BRICS, originally formed as BRIC in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was renamed BRICS when South Africa joined in 2010. The group now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, collectively accounting for about 30% of the world’s land surface and 45% of the global population.