Malaysia is aiming to become the latest member of the BRICS bloc, which was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, CGTN reported. The group recently expanded, adding Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Malaysia's participation in October's BRICS summit, hosted by Russia, is seen as a potential gateway to full membership.

As an active member of key organisations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement, Malaysia is already deeply involved in international trade through partnerships such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Despite Malaysia's established foreign policy of maintaining close ties with both China and the US, BRICS is seen as a natural fit by analysts and government officials. Collins Chong, a Foreign Affairs and Security Analyst at the University of Malaya, views BRICS as a strategic platform for Malaysia to amplify its influence as a middle power and stabilising force in the region.

Michael Yeoh, CEO of the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, emphasised Malaysia's alignment with the Global South, which BRICS supports. He sees BRICS membership as an opportunity for Malaysia to strengthen ties with countries such as Brazil and South Africa, with which it has had limited economic engagement.

BRICS could provide Malaysia with new trade and investment opportunities, diversifying its export and import markets while boosting its voice on the global stage. This would be beneficial, especially as Malaysia continues to play a vital role in the global electronics supply chain and as a major commodities exporter.

Malaysia has been vocal about its intention in joining in the past. Last week during a parliamentary session, Aminolhuda bin Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) raised an inquiry to the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Datuk Sri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz, concerning Malaysia's progress in seeking membership in the BRICS economic group.