KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s foreign policy continues to be independent, principled, and pragmatic despite its recent partnership with BRICS, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin asserted. As a sovereign nation, Malaysia retains the freedom to join any organization, contingent upon careful consideration and potential benefits to the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad emphasized that Malaysia’s involvement with BRICS aligns with its foreign policy of supporting multilateralism to tackle various geopolitical and global economic challenges. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing relationships and cooperation with foreign countries that offer economic development, investment, and bilateral advantages. Additionally, Malaysia upholds the supremacy of international law, including adherence to the United Nations charter.

In response to a supplementary question by V. Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) regarding assurances on national sovereignty and independence following Malaysia’s entry into BRIC
S, Mohamad clarified that Malaysia’s participation in international organizations aims to propel the country forward and yield positive impacts. He cited Malaysia’s memberships in the UN, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Non-Aligned Movement as evidence of this approach.

Mohamad reiterated that Malaysia’s foreign policy would remain unchanged, even as the country prepares to chair ASEAN next year, promising new opportunities through its BRICS partnership. Addressing concerns about BRICS potentially influencing Malaysia’s domestic affairs, Mohamad described BRICS as an economic development-focused organization that respects the internal affairs of its member countries.

BRICS operates on principles of consensus, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, valuing mutual respect, equality, and inclusiveness. Mohamad highlighted that Malaysia’s acceptance as a BRICS partner aligns with efforts to accelerate and stabilize the nation’s economy, opening new market opportunities, increasing trade, and att
racting foreign direct investment, thus diversifying Malaysia’s economic dependencies.