Malaysia Expresses Desire to Join BRICS Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his country’s interest in joining the BRICS economic bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Ibrahim conveyed this wish to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday. Malaysia, he said, will initiate the necessary process for membership. The BRICS alliance was founded in 2009 to foster cooperation among emerging economies. Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates joined as new members in January 2024. Malaysia has collaborated closely with Brazil in expanding BRICS membership. The Prime Minister is awaiting a response from South Africa. Thailand has also expressed its desire to become a full BRICS member, submitting an official letter of intent to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The request came after a BRICS Dialogue with Developing Countries held in Russia on June 11, with Russia holding the presidency of the bloc in 2024.Malaysia Seeks to Join BRICS Malaysia has expressed its interest in joining the BRICS grouping of emerging economies, according to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Speaking at a press conference, Yaakob said that Malaysia’s application to become a member of BRICS had been submitted through diplomatic channels. “We believe that joining BRICS will provide Malaysia with opportunities to enhance its economic cooperation and strategic partnership with other member countries,” Yaakob said. BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The grouping represents a significant portion of the global economy, accounting for over 40% of the world’s population and a quarter of its GDP. Malaysia’s move to join BRICS comes amid increasing economic and political uncertainties in the global landscape. The grouping is seen as an alternative to Western-led institutions and a platform for developing countries to strengthen their cooperation. However, Malaysia’s application may face challenges given its relatively small size and economy compared to other BRICS members. The grouping also operates on a consensus basis, requiring all members to agree on major decisions. Despite these potential hurdles, Yaakob expressed optimism about Malaysia’s chances of joining BRICS. He said that Malaysia would actively engage with other member countries to discuss its application and build support for its bid. “We are confident that Malaysia can contribute positively to the BRICS grouping and enhance its role as a bridge between emerging and developed economies,” Yaakob added.