ENTRE News – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that his government is preparing to join the BRICS economic bloc. In an interview with Chinese media, Guancha on Sunday (16/6), Anwar said Kuala Lumpur took this decision because BRICS, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as representatives of the countries of the South or Global South . Currently, he said Malaysia has followed formal procedures to join BRICS.
“We have made a decision, we will immediately carry out formal procedures… we are just waiting for the final results from the government in South Africa,” Anwar said.
This statement has also been confirmed by a spokesperson for Anwar’s party. However, in the interview, he did not provide further details regarding the application process. Anwar’s remarks came ahead of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang’s three-day visit this week. The visit was part of celebrations marking the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Malaysia and China are expected to sign several agreements during Li’s visit BO Togel, including renewing a five-year trade and economic cooperation agreement. Founded in 2006, the group was originally known as BRIC, and consisted of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Then South Africa joined in 2010, which became known as BRICS.
In January 2024, the bloc expanded its membership to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chinese auto brands such as Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Great Wall Motors, BYD and Neta FOR4D are building factories in Malaysia, taking advantage of incentives and tax breaks from the government to encourage electric vehicle production in the country.
“(The Chinese side) is very open, and they collaborate well, and they are frank and don’t show arrogance,” said Anwar in an interview on the South China Morning Post, Sabut (15/6).
Referring to the statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian FOR4D told a conference that Beijing praised Anwar for his remarks.
“China wants to work with Malaysia to carry forward our traditional friendship, deepen cooperation in various fields, and deepen and strengthen the China-Malaysia community with a shared future,” he said.