KUALA LUMPUR: Seeking a formal membership to join BRICS is certainly the right thing for Malaysia to do as the global landscape changes. But Malaysia’s entry into BRICS would even be more significant as it will hold the Asean chairmanship next year. Certainly, Malaysia will continue to welcome US investments to Malaysia, and would not do anything to harm that friendship. Malaysia, like other countries, cannot ignore the fact that China has the largest gross domestic product (GDP) of the BRICS country. Selection criteria for the New Partner Country Category include good representation and close relations with BRICS members, strong standing in regional and international politics, as well as economy and not imposing any unilateral sanctions on the BRICS members.

Source: The Star June 23, 2024 13:21 UTC