Malaysia, Thailand become BRICS partners

Malaysia and Thailand became partner countries of the BRICS group on 1 January and will participate in BRICS mechanisms along with Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Uganda and Uzbekistan, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov announced.

With the addition of these nine partner nations, BRICS now encompasses approximately half of the world’s population and accounts for more than 41% of global GDP (PPP). 

The strategy aligns with Malaysia’s and Thailand’s ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration, diversify their global partnerships and strengthen ties in key sectors such as investment, trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence, education and tourism. Malaysia’s strategic balancing act in its foreign policy has seen efforts to strengthen ties with China and now BRICS.

The expansion of BRICS to include these partner countries underscores an attempt to shift towards a more multipolar world order. This realignment reflects a growing desire among emerging markets to assert greater influence in shaping international economic policies.

Malaysia’s and Thailand’s new status as BRICS partners highlights their ambitions to be at the forefront of this evolving global landscape, seeking to leverage the collective strength of BRICS for greater economic and strategic benefits.

Malaysia makes formal application for full membership

Malaysia has formally applied to join the BRICS group proper, as announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The discussions, which took place during Lavrov’s two-day visit to Malaysia, underscored the country’s strategic pivot towards enhanced international collaboration.

During Lavrov’s two-day visit to Malaysia, the leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in investment, trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence, education, and tourism. Ibrahim framed Malaysia’s BRICS bid as a strategic step toward deeper international collaboration. “Our potential membership underscores our dedication to fostering robust global partnerships,” he said.

Ibrahim emphasized that Malaysia’s bid to join BRICS reflects its commitment to deepening global partnerships. “Our potential membership underscores our dedication to fostering robust international collaboration,” Ibrahim stated. The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations in key sectors such as investment, trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence, education, and tourism.

Lavrov expressed Russia’s support for Malaysia’s BRICS application, noting that Russia, as the current chair of the BRICS group, will advocate for Malaysia’s inclusion. The BRICS coalition, originally formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS now represents 3.5bn people—about 45% of the global population—and accounts for over USD 28.5tn, or roughly 28% of global GDP.

Ton of BRICS

BRICS underscores a shift towards a multipolar world order, challenging the traditional economic dominance of the US and its increasing economic and political clout represents a challenge to US hegemon. This realignment reflects growing discontent with existing global institutions and a desire among emerging markets to assert greater influence in shaping international economic policies.

Malaysia’s potential inclusion in BRICS highlights its ambition to navigate this evolving global landscape, seeking to leverage the collective strength of BRICS for greater economic and strategic benefits.

Historically, Malaysia has maintained a balanced foreign policy, engaging with both Western economies and major emerging markets. However, recent geopolitical shifts and economic realignments have prompted Malaysia to seek closer ties with BRICS nations. The country’s application is driven by several factors, including the desire to benefit from the group’s substantial economic growth and influence. With BRICS now encompassing a wide array of regions and economies, Malaysia sees an opportunity to tap into new markets and investment avenues, particularly in sectors like technology, agriculture, and defence.

Additionally, Malaysia’s bid for BRICS membership aligns with its broader economic strategy of enhancing global connectivity and economic resilience. As BRICS expands its influence, Malaysia aims to leverage this platform to boost trade and investment flows, strengthen technological partnerships, and gain access to a network of like-minded nations committed to reshaping global economic governance. This move is also seen as a way to bolster Malaysia’s position in regional and global affairs, allowing it to play a more significant role in shaping future economic and political developments.

In pursuing BRICS membership, Malaysia is not only aiming to secure economic advantages but also to navigate the shifting dynamics of global power. By joining this influential group, Malaysia seeks to position itself as a key player in a multipolar world order, challenging the dominance of traditional Western powers and embracing a new era of global collaboration.

Malaysia-US links

Malaysia’s historical ties with the US date back to the mid-20th century, when Malaysia gained independence. During the Cold War, the US viewed Malaysia as an anti-communist ally, supporting the country militarily and economically as US companies invested heavily in Malaysian electronics, manufacturing and energy, helping Malaysia’s integration into the global economy.

Malaysia’s cautious approach towards China and backing UN resolutions that condemn the actions of staunch US ally Israel have led to diplomatic friction. Periodic tensions have likewise arisen over issues such as trade imbalances, human rights and differing perspectives on regional security. In the term of US President Donald Trump, the latter issues are likely to retreat.