REMBAU: Malaysia wishes to join the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to enhance its capacity in voicing various international issues more effectively compared with acting alone.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia was currently analysing, monitoring and assessing the feasibility of becoming a BRICS member, should it bring substantial benefits to the country.

He said three main factors formed the basis for Malaysia's participation, namely the interests and benefits to be gained, as well as the impact of participation, particularly in providing a platform for the country to voice its aspirations in international issues.

"We are analysing, studying and assessing the necessity to apply for membership in this bloc (BRICS).

"Through joining this bloc, Malaysia can effectively voice any issue on the international stage because such a collective voice is more impactful than acting individually.

"It is not about boasting to become a BRICS member, but rather about the benefits, considering some member countries have exited the bloc after feeling it no longer serves a meaningful purpose," he told the media here today.

Earlier, he was officiating in the launch of the Kampung Angkat Madani ceremony and the ministry's ibadah korban event in Kampung Kanchong Rantrau here today.

Mohamad was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement that Malaysia would soon begin the formal procedure of joining BRICS.

Anwar said the government had made the decision and will initiate the formal procedures while awaiting the final decision and feedback from the South African government.

Further commenting, Mohamad, who is also the Rembau member of parliament said Malaysia needed to join certain groupings to have a voice on the world stage as the world is currently divided into various blocs.

"For example, the Asean bloc, as a regional grouping with a significant voice comprising over 700 million people and the fourth largest gross domestic product in the world.

"So, Asean's combination as a strong voice is a solid platform for Malaysia to be one of the countries participating in this Asean bloc. This is the impact," he said.

Commenting on Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to the country starting today, Mohamad said it aims to strengthen bilateral relations and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.

Mohamad said the diplomatic relations between both countries can be further strengthened through the visits of the respective leaders.

"It mainly involves bilateral trade because China is our largest trading partner and is close to our region, so there are many matters we can discuss and further enhance for the mutual benefit of both countries," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1065130/malaysia-joining-brics-gain-stronger-voice-world-issues-says-mohamad