Malaysia Set to Join BRICS Group, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Reveals
In an exclusive interview with Chinese media outlet Guancha, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim disclosed Malaysia’s plans to become a member of the BRICS group of emerging economies, as reported by Reuters.
Originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS group aims to challenge the dominance of Western economies in the global order.
Expanding its membership, the group welcomed new countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the UAE, with over 40 nations expressing interest in joining.
“We have made a decision, we will be starting the formal procedures soon … we are just waiting for the final results from the government in South Africa,” Anwar revealed in a video of the interview released by Guancha on Sunday.
A spokesperson from Anwar’s office confirmed his statements to Reuters on Tuesday.
While no further details on the application process were provided during the interview, Anwar’s announcement comes ahead of a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia, commemorating the 50th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During Li’s visit, Malaysia and China are expected to seal several agreements, including the renewal of a five-year trade and economic cooperation pact.