Malaysia calls for multilateral reforms, ethical AI at Brics Summit

New Straits Times

a day ago

RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia reiterated its firm stance on the need to strengthen multilateralism, reform the global economic system, and ensure ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI) on the first day of the 17th Brics Leaders' Summit held here.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his intervention session with Brics leaders, urged the world to move beyond bloc confrontations and geopolitical divisions.
He called for action to be driven by the spirit of cooperation, shared prosperity, and a collective commitment to a fair, safe, and inclusive digital future.
"Malaysia takes seriously the scenario of 'geopolitics of tech' — technological development driven by geopolitical interests — which can undermine stability and stifle innovation," he said.
He added that multilateralism is no longer a choice but an urgent necessity to ensure global stability, economic justice, and the sovereignty of developing nations often marginalised amid geopolitical and technological shifts.
Outlining Malaysia's approach, he said that the country chooses principled cooperation grounded in justice, inclusivity, and universal sovereignty—not confrontation.
As Asean chair, Malaysia is also championing an agenda aligned with Brics aspirations, including calls for reform of the global trade system towards greater fairness and development-centred policies.
Malaysia also welcomed Brics' emphasis on the need for AI governance rooted in ethical values and universal well-being.
In this regard, Malaysia has launched its National AI Roadmap and AI Governance Guidelines, and is now leading efforts to establish the Asean AI Network to enhance regional capacity and set common standards.
"Malaysia stands ready to work closely with Brics and global partners to build a fairer economic system, a safe digital environment, and effective multilateralism for the shared future of humanity," he said.
In his speech, the prime minister also addressed pressing global humanitarian issues, particularly in Gaza and Iran.
"Malaysia urges the world not to remain silent on the humanitarian crimes in Gaza and the atrocities against the people of Iran.
"Brics must rise as the voice of global justice, reject oppression, and uphold human dignity," he added firmly.
This year's Brics Summit focuses on the role of developing nations in shaping a fairer global economic and digital landscape, with Malaysia's active participation reinforcing its commitment to universal values and international cooperation.
Malaysia's participation in the summit is in its capacity as a Brics Partner Country and as the 2025 Asean Chair.
Malaysia officially became a Brics Partner Country on Jan 1 this year.