Head of the Malaysian National News Agency: Our country is on the right track in its pursuit of “BRICS”

Malaysia's bid to join BRICS is the right thing to do in light of the changing global landscape and Malaysia's presidency of ASEAN, said Wong Chun Wai, head of Malaysia's Bernama agency.

This came in statements by Chun Wai published on the website of the Malaysian National News Agency Benama , where he continued: “Seeking official membership in (BRICS), the largest and most powerful geopolitical grouping, is certainly the right thing for Malaysia as the global landscape changes. But Malaysia’s entry into (BRICS) will be more important with her assuming the presidency of (ASEAN) next year, and given the status and influence of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, this will certainly be very important.”

Wong Chun-wai added that Malaysia remembers that China has been its largest trading partner over the past forty years, in addition to the fact that Kuala Lumpur has repeatedly stated that it "will not take sides in the competition between the United States and China."

The President of Bernama also continued: “At the same time, joining BRICS will undoubtedly lead to expanding markets, and may help reduce excessive reliance on the US dollar in trade settlements in favor of dealing in local currencies.”

According to him, Malaysia should remain on the waiting list to join BRICS, and he concluded his speech by saying: “However, given the powers of Malaysia and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, we will certainly be treated with great interest.”