M'sian engagement with BRICS not ideologically guided, says govt
PETALING JAYA : Malaysia's engagement with multilateral platforms such as BRICS is guided by national interests and not ideological alignment, says the investment, trade and industry ministry.
Responding to US president Donald Trump's threat of an extra 10% tariff on countries aligning with the bloc, the ministry said Malaysia maintains an 'independent foreign and economic policy'.
'Our engagement with any multilateral platform is focused on trade facilitation and sustainable development.
'The US remains one of Malaysia's key economic partners, not only through trade but also through the multi-billion dollar American investments established in Malaysia for more than 50 years,' said a spokesman.
In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump accused BRICS of 'anti-Americanism' after they slammed his tariffs at a summit in Rio de Janeiro yesterday.
However, China said BRICS is not seeking 'confrontation'.
'China has repeatedly stated its position that trade and tariff wars have no winners and protectionism offers no way forward,' said foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning.
Beijing defended the grouping as 'an important platform for cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries'.
'It advocates openness, inclusivity and win-win cooperation. It does not engage in camp confrontation and is not targeted at any country,' she said.
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