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Malaysia’s BRICS partnership: Broader cooperation with ASEAN first

Malaysia as a Brics partner: Grow with all, with a focus on Asean first - Phar Kim Beng
Countries
BrazilChinaIndiaIndonesiaRussiaSouth Africa
Cooperation areas
Economic GrowthInclusive MultilateralismInstitutional DevelopmentSustainable Development

Source: Malay Mail | Original Published At: 2026-09-04 08:12:16 UTC

Key Points

  • Malaysia became a BRICS partner country on January 1, 2025, gaining access to meetings and cooperative initiatives without becoming a full member.
  • The author recommends using partner status to evaluate benefits and obligations before considering full membership, citing Indonesia’s accession as a relevant example.
  • The article advocates expanding cooperation with BRICS economies while maintaining Malaysia’s ties with ASEAN, the United States, Europe and Japan.
  • The author calls for BRICS participation to deliver measurable outcomes through contracts, investment, research partnerships and employment.
  • Potential cooperation with the New Development Bank could support sustainable infrastructure and the green transition, but BRICS partner status does not automatically provide bank membership.
  • The article proposes stronger ASEAN–BRICS institutional links in supply chains, food and energy security, climate finance, digital infrastructure and small-business development.
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