VLADIVOSTOK (Sept 5): Malaysia is among the countries prioritised for potential BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) membership, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, Anwar said the focus was whether Malaysia should join BRICS immediately or start as a partner country.

“The important point is that we are one of the countries given priority due to the invitation extended to non-member nations,” he said at a press conference on the final day of his working visit to Russia.

On Malaysia's potential involvement in BRICS, Anwar noted that discussions with the president of China and the prime minister of India, as well as with President Putin and the president of Brazil, had all been positive.

“We are considering BRICS because we believe that the cooperation of Southern countries within the Global South is highly beneficial,” he added.

Anwar also mentioned that Putin had invited him to the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, from Oct 22 to 24.

“We are evaluating the possibility of attending or sending a representative, given the numerous external commitments next month,” he said.

Addressing concerns about potential negative effects on Malaysia's relations with the US and Europe, Anwar dismissed these as mere rhetoric.

He emphasised Malaysia’s independent stance and open approach to international cooperation.

“Our approach is open and free in international relations, as evidenced by our interactions with Europe, America, China, India and now Russia.

“BRICS strengthens the Global South, offering us economic opportunities free from external pressures,” he added.

Established in 2009, BRICS initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010.

In January 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also joined as new members.

Together, BRICS members account for a cumulative gross domestic product (GDP) of US$26.6 trillion, representing 26.2% of the world's GDP, nearly equalling the economic strength of the G7 group.

The BRICS nations collectively have a population of 3.21 billion, expected to grow further with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, which together have 333 million people.

This will create a market of approximately 3.54 billion people, or nearly 45% of the world’s population.

Uploaded by Lam Seng Fatt