IT'S both amusing and revealing how the critics of BRICS seem unable to make up their minds about the notable diversity within the group.
This diversity starkly encompasses vastly different geopolitical alignment tendencies, yet the critics twist this fact to suit their narratives.
On the one hand, they ignore apparent geopolitical differences to present BRICS as a "cohesive geopolitical bloc". But, in the very next breath, they highlight these differences to suggest potential weaknesses within the group.
However, a discerning observer who also places their own nation's interests might naturally ask: Why can't my sovereign country be like India, South Africa, or Brazil — the founding members of BRICS who aren't perceived as being anti-West?
Or consider the newly joined members like Egypt or the United Arab Emirates, who also clearly engage in a delicate balancing act between both sides?
The current global trend is toward full-speed diversification of over-reliance on Western currencies and technologies, both routinely wielded as economic weapons.
So, the question has shifted from "Would not working with BRICS countries negatively impact the relationship with the West?" to "Would not the West, by habitually using their investments, currencies, technologies, and other normal economic relationships as economic weapons/forms of pressure, unilaterally sever ties even with those handful of global South-East countries that remain genuinely open to productive cooperation with them for mutual economic benefits?!"
Given the West's current situation, it would be wise to use any chance to demonstrate that it can be a reliable partner — one whose relationships with other nations are mutually respectful, not oppressive/conditional upon "geopolitical alignment", and do not curtail national sovereignty.
By doing so, the global community may begin to perceive the West differently, and there will likely be a renewed influx of goodwill directed its way.
When it comes to BRICS, based on facts and pure logic, it is absolutely clear that it is essentially a dialogue forum for mutually accelerated economic growth and development with no conditionalities of "geopolitical alignment".
As its official vision, mission, actions as well as concrete economic steps and solutions document thus far, the group's very existence is not to "counterbalance" but to complement Western efforts toward development goals by giving very focused and tailored attention to the needs of developing economies, empowering them to participate more meaningfully in international economic affairs.
Geographical diversification of Malaysia's trade would greatly benefit from deepening ties with BRICS+ economies, including meaningful engagement with the regional blocs — such as MERCOSUR and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — whose members are not currently covered by Malaysia's existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) network.
By joining BRICS+, Malaysia aims to deepen economic cooperation with emerging markets, enhancing trade, investment and technological exchange. Therefore, Malaysia's economic interest and desire to fast-track the forging of mutually beneficial cooperation with BRICS+ countries is well understood.
At the same time, Malaysia itself appears to be a great fit for BRICS+, and the close attention given to Malaysia would be perfectly justified.
As BRICS, originally comprising five influential economies across three continents, has recently expanded its geographical reach to include the Middle East, the potential for further expansion into Southeast Asia — the Asean countries — emerges as the next logical step forward towards global governance.
As a vibrant Southeast Asian economy, Malaysia brings its unique strengths to the table, including its well-balanced diplomatic relations, robust export potential, diverse network of trade alliances and abundant natural resources.
Jayakrishnan Seeridaran, [9/8/2024 1:40 PM]
Also, even a non-sophisticated observer cannot help but notice the striking harmony between the BRICS vision/mission and the Madani concept as a policy based on inclusivity and integrity in shaping the nation's identity and empowering all the overlooked segments to participate meaningfully in economic prosperity.
These strengths make Malaysia a confident and capable partner for BRICS+, a coalition of major emerging economies that offers a robust platform for collaboration, trade and shared development. This partnership can bridge regions and promote further mutual growth and cooperation.
Therefore, Malaysia is well-positioned in the sweet spot of this opportune moment to assume the leadership and fill the void on this side of the globe while also assuming the chairmanship of Asean in 2025.
Indeed, the world right now needs more bridges and fewer walls.
The writer is the founder of EMIR Research, a think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research