Anwar advances Malaysia's diplomatic agenda

The Star

15-07-2025

MALAYSIA's participation in the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, represents a major milestone in the country's ongoing commitment to constructive diplomacy, strategic economic diversification and global engagement under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Held from July 6–7, the summit marked Malaysia's debut as a BRICS partner country and as Asean Chair for 2025.
Anwar's visit included high-level engagements with leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, highlighting Malaysia's renewed strategic posture in international affairs.
The BRICS group was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006, with the first BRIC Summit held in 2009. South Africa officially joined in 2011, expanding the bloc into BRICS. Following the Johannesburg Declaration in August 2023, the group expanded further, and as of 2024–2025, BRICS now comprises 11 members: its five original members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – along with six new members admitted during the expansion: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. The alliance also recognises 10 partner countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Collectively, BRICS countries account for around 45% of the world's population and approximately 35% of global GDP when measured by purchasing power parity (PPP), reflecting the bloc's growing influence in shaping global economic and geopolitical affairs. BRICS aims to strengthen economic, political and social cooperation among its members while amplifying the voice of Global South countries in international governance.
Anwar's presence at the summit reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to fostering inclusive global cooperation while advancing national interests in trade, digital innovation, renewable energy, regional security and the pursuit of a more sustainable economy.
'Malaysia has enhanced its global standing by participating in the BRICS 2025 Summit, being recognised as an important partner country that could further enlarge the grouping's expanding influence in a multipolar world,' said Prof Yeah.
Strategic engagement
Economist Prof Yeah Kim Leng described Malaysia's participation in BRICS as a strategic elevation of its international profile.
'Malaysia has enhanced its global standing by participating in the BRICS 2025 Summit, being recognised as an important partner country that could further enlarge the grouping's expanding influence in a multipolar world,' said Prof Yeah, who is also senior fellow and director of the Economic Studies Programme at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on South-East Asia at Sunway University.
'It signals to investors that Malaysia will not only have continued market access to BRICS member countries but also participate in the group's expanding influence, which covers nearly half the global population.'
'Having trade and diplomatic ties with the BRICS community is the right thing to do and economic integration must occur in a timely fashion,' said Mohd Afzanizam.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid offered a similar view, but with a focus on realpolitik and economic resilience.
'It is quite clear that the United States (US) is pursuing an antagonistic trade policy and this will take some time to resolve, as it involves a series of negotiations. The Malaysian government will need to be nimble by taking a pragmatic approach.
'Having trade and diplomatic ties with the BRICS community is the right thing to do and economic integration must occur in a timely fashion,' he said.
'The government must ensure that more support is directed towards our businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in terms of capacity building. Ultimately, we want more Government-Linked Companies (GLCs), Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs), the private sector and MSMEs to be integrated with BRICS to mitigate the impact of US tariffs.'
From a political standpoint, Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia observed that Malaysia's BRICS participation marks a strategic pivot towards multipolar engagement.
'It enhances Malaysia's global economic and geopolitical relevance beyond traditional Western alliances. Malaysia, which practices multilateral relations and constructive engagement, sees BRICS as another platform to strengthen economic ties.'
Unlocking new opportunities
The summit opened doors to multiple forms of cooperation — in trade, finance, and development — from which Malaysia is well positioned to benefit.
According to Prof Yeah, deeper ties with BRICS members and other Global South developing countries could unlock access to larger markets and collaborative initiatives.
'Malaysia can benefit from various initiatives carried out by BRICS countries, such as infrastructure development, climate financing and trade settlement systems based on local currencies,' he said.
Mohd Afzanizam identified several key sectors where Malaysia stands to gain: 'Technology, e-commerce, tourism, healthcare, commodities, agri-food and education — these are areas where integration with BRICS economies could be mutually beneficial.'
Prof Sivamurugan further emphasised that Malaysia's engagement with BRICS could help reduce dependency on the US dollar-dominated financial system.
'Malaysia stands to benefit from increased trade, investment, technology transfer, energy collaboration and alternative financial mechanisms outside the US-dollar framework,' said the political analyst.
'This visit reflects Anwar's pragmatic and balanced foreign policy — one that prioritises sovereignty, economic diplomacy and a proactive role in emerging global blocs,' said Prof Sivamurugan.
Anwar's leadership
The summit also offered a unique platform for Anwar to showcase his foreign policy acumen and global statesmanship.
'This visit reflects Anwar's pragmatic and balanced foreign policy — one that prioritises sovereignty, economic diplomacy and a proactive role in emerging global blocs,' said Prof Sivamurugan.
Mohd Afzanizam echoed this, noting that 'Anwar promotes pragmatism and diplomacy. This can foster a longer and sustainable multilateral relationship.'
Prof Yeah added that the Prime Minister's role as Asean spokesperson has elevated his stature. 'It enabled Malaysia's perspectives on various geopolitical issues to be articulated at the summit,' he said.
Diplomatic bridge
Malaysia's role as Asean Chair in 2025 adds further weight to its engagement with BRICS. Analysts agree that this dual role amplifies Malaysia's influence as a regional bridge.
'As one of BRICS partner countries and the Asean Chair concurrently, Malaysia, together with two other Asean member countries, Thailand and Indonesia, which are also BRICS partners, is in an influential position to foster closer economic and geopolitical relationships between the two regional groupings,' said Prof Yeah.
'Anwar in assuming the Asean Chairmanship role is also in a vantage position to resolve differences and tensions between member countries within and across the two groupings.'
Mohd Afzanizam stated that Malaysia's diplomatic posture projects unity and progressiveness. 'This image can greatly boost Malaysia's role in promoting international trade,' he added.
According to Prof Sivamurugan, Malaysia's engagement with BRICS enhances its credibility as Asean Chair. 'It demonstrates leadership in bridging Asean with other rising global powers.'
Multilateral alignment
Malaysia has long been a proponent of multilateral engagement and its BRICS participation reflects a consistent, principle-based foreign policy.
'Malaysia's well-telegraphed neutrality in Big Power competition, its core interest in free trade and openness to foreign investment from all countries are in line with its multilateral commitments,' said Prof Yeah.
Prof Sivamurugan highlighted Malaysia's active promotion of South-South cooperation. 'Malaysia's engagement with BRICS complements its multilateral stance by promoting South-South cooperation, global equity and non-alignment.'
Mohd Afzanizam emphasised that BRICS engagement does not conflict with Malaysia's existing commitments. 'It's about building parallel tracks of cooperation — with Asean, the EU and BRICS — in ways that reinforce our resilience,' he said.
Rational engagement
Some quarters have questioned the productivity or necessity of Anwar's visit to Brazil. The experts firmly counter this notion.
'International visits and participation in global and regional summits are important not only to foster closer ties and understanding among world leaders, but also to facilitate joint economic development, coordinated policy responses and conflict resolution affecting two or more countries,' said Prof Yeah.
Mohd Afzanizam noted that Anwar's international presence is an asset in itself. 'Malaysia under Anwar is well respected by the international community. This has greatly facilitated trade negotiations among BRICS, Asean and the EU — resulting in favourable deals.'
Prof Sivamurugan added, 'This visit is a forward-looking move to diversify partnerships, enhance Malaysia's global influence and secure national interests in a rapidly shifting world order.'