KUALA LUMPUR: Engaging in dialogues, forums and discussions can give Malaysia more opportunities to diversify and strengthen strategic relations with BRICS member countries.
Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said without affecting relations with the country's main trading partners, Malaysia could improve economic ties with countries like Russia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Africa through investment or trade in strategic sectors.
"This is in line with Malaysia's commitment to advancing and expanding the Global South agenda, which can be a basis to highlight issues and challenges facing south-south nations."
Liew (Pakatan Harapan-Iskandar Puteri) said this when responding to a question by Aminolhuda Hassan (Pakatan Harapan-Sri Gading) about the latest developments in the country's effort to join BRICS and the potential impact if the country succeeds.
He said Malaysia was actively working to gain support from BRICS members.
He said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had sent official letters to the nine foreign ministers of BRICS member states.
"The presence of a senior Malaysian minister at the BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus Summit at the end of October presents a valuable opportunity to garner support from the leaders.
"Although BRICS is perceived to be somewhat anti-West, in reality, countries like Brazil, Egypt and the UAE have foreign policy stances that are similar to Malaysia's.
"Our country is neutral and maintains friendships with all parties.
"I believe Malaysia joining BRICS will help reinforce it as an organisation that is neutral, friendly to all and strengthen a multilateral system that can facilitate reforms in the United Nations."
Liew dismissed claims that Malaysia's bid to join BRICS could jeopardise its economic ties with the West.
"This year, we have welcomed investment announcements from Google, Oracle, Amazon and other major companies in the United States.
"This shows that our neutral policy and non-alignment stance are accepted by these Western giants and recognised by all parties."
He said Malaysia's participation in BRICS would complement its roles in blocs like Asean, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.