On 1 January 2025, Malaysia officially became a BRICS Partner Country, marking a pivotal moment in its foreign policy trajectory. This milestone is more than symbolic—it represents Malaysia’s strategic commitment to multilateralism, global economic diversification, and the advancement of the Global South agenda. Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex international landscape, Malaysia’s engagement with BRICS aligns with its aspirations to amplify its voice on the world stage and contribute meaningfully to a more equitable global governance system.
BRICS began as an informal dialogue among Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2006 during the G-8 Summit in Saint Petersburg. The bloc formalised with its first official summit in 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. South Africa joined a year later in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS—a powerful collective of emerging economies representing diverse regions and ambitions.
At its core, BRICS is a consensus-driven, non-binding coalition without a formal charter or headquarters. Despite this loose structure, it has managed to emerge as a prominent voice advocating for a multipolar world, countering the dominance of Western-centric institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. The bloc champions an inclusive international order that better reflects the realities and aspirations of developing countries.
Two key institutional achievements underscore BRICS’ growing relevance: the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingency Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2014. The NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, funds infrastructure and development projects in Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs). The CRA provides financial support to members facing liquidity crises triggered by external economic shocks.
In a significant development in January 2024, BRICS extended invitations to Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Of these, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE accepted, bringing the bloc’s full membership to nine. The 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia in October 2024, marked the first formal convening with these new members.
Parallel to this expansion, the BRICS leadership also finalised the introduction of the BRICS Partner Country model—a novel framework designed to foster structured engagement with non-member states. This model enables broader participation in BRICS activities and creates a channel for aspiring member states to build closer institutional ties with the bloc.
Malaysia was among the countries identified by BRICS for inclusion in this category, a reflection of its longstanding commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its proactive global posture.
Malaysia’s intention to join BRICS was publicly announced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June 2024 during an interview with China’s Guancha news outlet. Citing Malaysia’s dedication to multilateral cooperation and Global South solidarity, the Prime Minister positioned the country’s bid as a natural extension of its foreign policy ethos.
In the months that followed, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs engaged in robust diplomatic efforts. Formal letters were sent to the Russian Foreign Minister, in his role as 2024 BRICS Chair, and to counterparts across BRICS Member States. The response was positive and, in late October 2024, Malaysia received an official invitation from the Russian Foreign Minister to join the Partner Country category.
Malaysia can contribute to shaping global narratives, particularly on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, and reform of international financial institutions
Malaysia formally accepted the invitation on November 12, 2024. On December 23, 2024, the Russian Federation confirmed that Malaysia—alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—would become a BRICS Partner Country starting January 1, 2025.
As part of its engagement process, Malaysia navigated a series of diplomatic discussions with key BRICS members. Brazil, in particular, made two requests as conditions for its support: that Malaysia endorse the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including Brazil’s bid for a permanent seat, and that Malaysia join the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty—an initiative adopted by the G20 and slated to be championed by Brazil during its 2025 BRICS Chairmanship.
Malaysia, after careful deliberation and Cabinet approval, agreed in principle to support both requests. Malaysia also welcomed the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, aligning it with its national efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2. Participation in the Alliance enables knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and greater policy coherence among like-minded nations.
Among the rationales behind Malaysia´s BRICS engagement are (i) amplifying Malaysia’s global voice; (ii) deepening South-South Cooperation; (iii) economic opportunities; and (iv) people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Malaysia views BRICS as a strategic platform to promote the interests of developing nations. By participating in BRICS activities, Malaysia can contribute to shaping global narratives, particularly on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, and reform of international financial institutions.
BRICS serves as a vehicle for enhancing Malaysia’s engagement with the Global South. It complements the country’s leadership roles in ASEAN, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the G-77.
As a Partner Country, Malaysia gains access to potential trade and investment opportunities, particularly through the NDB and other economic cooperation mechanisms within BRICS. This engagement can help Malaysia diversify away from overdependence on traditional markets and enhance its access to vital raw materials including energy resources and strategic minerals.
The BRICS framework also includes robust emphasis on cultural diplomacy and human capital development. Malaysia’s participation in cultural and academic exchanges within BRICS supports its broader educational and soft power goals.
During the 2024 BRICS Outreach/BRICS Plus Meeting in Kazan, Malaysia´s Minister of Economy who was representing the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, delivered Malaysia’s national statement, highlighting several key points including:
- The need for urgent international action on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon.
- Support for a more inclusive and equitable international financial architecture.
- Malaysia’s upcoming Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
- The importance of BRICS-ASEAN synergy.
The Minister also conducted bilateral meetings with counterparts from Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Brazil, and several institutional leaders, strengthening Malaysia’s diplomatic and economic ties within the BRICS ecosystem.
As a BRICS Partner Country, Malaysia is expected to actively participate in relevant BRICS ministerial sessions, including on trade, security, and parliamentary cooperation. All engagements will adhere to the core principles of mutual respect, equality, inclusivity, and consensus.
Malaysia’s commitment includes supporting the ongoing reform of global governance institutions—especially the UN and international financial system—to ensure fairer representation for developing nations.
Looking ahead, Malaysia has expressed interest in pursuing full BRICS membership, subject to consensus among current members. This ambition reflects Malaysia’s desire to play a more substantial role in shaping global affairs.
Malaysia’s entry into the BRICS Partner Country framework marks a bold and forward-looking chapter in its foreign policy. Grounded in principles of multilateralism, pragmatism, and solidarity with the Global South, this platform holds vast potential—economically, politically, and diplomatically.
As global power dynamics shift and the call for more equitable representation grows louder, Malaysia is strategically positioning itself to contribute meaningfully to the reshaping of international order. BRICS offers not only a platform for this contribution but also a partnership that resonates with Malaysia’s national priorities and international aspirations.
In sum, Malaysia’s perspective on BRICS is one of opportunity, alignment, and global responsibility—a journey that has just begun, with profound implications for the nation’s future on the world stage.
Embassy of Malaysia in Spain
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