Joining BRICS+: Anwar’s pragmatic, strategic choice for Malaysia

AS MALAYSIA'S Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim prepares for his upcoming visit to Russia, the country's potential membership in BRICS+ (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa +) has come under the spotlight. There is a growing narrative suggesting that Malaysia's interest in BRICS+ is a pivot away from Western alliances, but this interpretation misses the strategic and nuanced reasons behind Malaysia's engagement with this grouping.

Malaysia has long practiced a balanced foreign policy, engaging with both Western and non-Western powers to maximise its national benefits.