Malaysia wants to become a member of the BRICS group. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a statement transmitted by Reuters, said that the country is preparing to start the official application process and approval from the South African government is expected, reports News.bg.
The news comes just as Malaysia and China celebrate half a century of diplomatic ties, highlighted by the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia.
BRICS, a group of emerging economies that originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is at the forefront of changing the global economic landscape traditionally dominated by Western powers.
In a bold step last year, BRICS welcomed new members - Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant expansion.
More than 40 countries have currently expressed interest in joining the economic union, illustrating the group's growing influence and the potential for a more balanced global economic order.
For Malaysia, joining the BRICS does not only mean economic benefits. It is a strategic alignment with countries that are changing global trade and politics.