03:27Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid, a Professor and Economic Analyst at the University of Kuala Lumpur, emphasised the potential benefits of Malaysia joining the BRICS group, saying that the bloc could present Malaysia with 'offer Malaysia a bigger and newer front', particularly due to its strong ties with major Asian economic powerhouses like China and India.
"If you look at economy wise, BRICS offer Malaysia a bigger and newer front, a new frontier, I would say, on the economic trading," he said, during an interview in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
He stressed on bloc's ability to strengthen ties with the world's second-largest economy, and also underscored the economic and cultural closeness between Malaysia and India, further supporting the case for Malaysia's prospective inclusion in BRICS.
"It's not only about China, [it] is also our relationship with India. Malaysia, also, we have so many Indians who came from, originated from India, there's a close relationship, not only culturally, but economically."
The expert mentioned that membership in BRICS could offer Malaysia substantial economic advantages, potentially surpassing those available through other regional blocs like ASEAN.
"In fact, this bloc is even bigger than a pet bloc. Of course, it's obviously bigger than ASEAN, so by right there’s a lot of potential economically for Malaysia to gain in joining BRICS," the expert continued.
However, he also acknowledged the potential challenges of managing relationships with Western countries like the US and the UK, given Malaysia's historical connections and complex geopolitical dynamics.
"No doubt, Malaysia has also to balance it with the geopolitical relationship to the Western block and the big countries," he concluded.
Abdul Rashid's assessments have resonated with local residents, who believe that aligning with BRICS could enhance Malaysia's global economic standing and recognition.
"The world will become aware of the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). If we continue to align with the world led by Uncle John (the US), the Malaysian Ringgit will not be recognised globally," said one.
"If joining BRICS contributes more to economic development, as a Malaysian citizen, I agree with Malaysia joining BRICS," added another.
According to local media, PM Anwar Ibrahim recently told a Chinese outlet that Malaysia had submitted its application to join the alliance, and it is awaiting confirmation from the South African.
BRICS has undergone two expansions since its foundation in 2006. In 2011, South Africa joined the group, which included Brazil, Russia, India and China. On January 1, 2024, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia were invited to join.
Economic expert views BRICS as offering 'Malaysia bigger, newer front' as PM Ibrahim expresses intentions to join bloc
Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid, a Professor and Economic Analyst at the University of Kuala Lumpur, emphasised the potential benefits of Malaysia joining the BRICS group, saying that the bloc could present Malaysia with 'offer Malaysia a bigger and newer front', particularly due to its strong ties with major Asian economic powerhouses like China and India.
"If you look at economy wise, BRICS offer Malaysia a bigger and newer front, a new frontier, I would say, on the economic trading," he said, during an interview in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
He stressed on bloc's ability to strengthen ties with the world's second-largest economy, and also underscored the economic and cultural closeness between Malaysia and India, further supporting the case for Malaysia's prospective inclusion in BRICS.
"It's not only about China, [it] is also our relationship with India. Malaysia, also, we have so many Indians who came from, originated from India, there's a close relationship, not only culturally, but economically."
The expert mentioned that membership in BRICS could offer Malaysia substantial economic advantages, potentially surpassing those available through other regional blocs like ASEAN.
"In fact, this bloc is even bigger than a pet bloc. Of course, it's obviously bigger than ASEAN, so by right there’s a lot of potential economically for Malaysia to gain in joining BRICS," the expert continued.
However, he also acknowledged the potential challenges of managing relationships with Western countries like the US and the UK, given Malaysia's historical connections and complex geopolitical dynamics.
"No doubt, Malaysia has also to balance it with the geopolitical relationship to the Western block and the big countries," he concluded.
Abdul Rashid's assessments have resonated with local residents, who believe that aligning with BRICS could enhance Malaysia's global economic standing and recognition.
"The world will become aware of the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). If we continue to align with the world led by Uncle John (the US), the Malaysian Ringgit will not be recognised globally," said one.
"If joining BRICS contributes more to economic development, as a Malaysian citizen, I agree with Malaysia joining BRICS," added another.
According to local media, PM Anwar Ibrahim recently told a Chinese outlet that Malaysia had submitted its application to join the alliance, and it is awaiting confirmation from the South African.
BRICS has undergone two expansions since its foundation in 2006. In 2011, South Africa joined the group, which included Brazil, Russia, India and China. On January 1, 2024, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia were invited to join.
Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid, a Professor and Economic Analyst at the University of Kuala Lumpur, emphasised the potential benefits of Malaysia joining the BRICS group, saying that the bloc could present Malaysia with 'offer Malaysia a bigger and newer front', particularly due to its strong ties with major Asian economic powerhouses like China and India.
"If you look at economy wise, BRICS offer Malaysia a bigger and newer front, a new frontier, I would say, on the economic trading," he said, during an interview in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
He stressed on bloc's ability to strengthen ties with the world's second-largest economy, and also underscored the economic and cultural closeness between Malaysia and India, further supporting the case for Malaysia's prospective inclusion in BRICS.
"It's not only about China, [it] is also our relationship with India. Malaysia, also, we have so many Indians who came from, originated from India, there's a close relationship, not only culturally, but economically."
The expert mentioned that membership in BRICS could offer Malaysia substantial economic advantages, potentially surpassing those available through other regional blocs like ASEAN.
"In fact, this bloc is even bigger than a pet bloc. Of course, it's obviously bigger than ASEAN, so by right there’s a lot of potential economically for Malaysia to gain in joining BRICS," the expert continued.
However, he also acknowledged the potential challenges of managing relationships with Western countries like the US and the UK, given Malaysia's historical connections and complex geopolitical dynamics.
"No doubt, Malaysia has also to balance it with the geopolitical relationship to the Western block and the big countries," he concluded.
Abdul Rashid's assessments have resonated with local residents, who believe that aligning with BRICS could enhance Malaysia's global economic standing and recognition.
"The world will become aware of the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). If we continue to align with the world led by Uncle John (the US), the Malaysian Ringgit will not be recognised globally," said one.
"If joining BRICS contributes more to economic development, as a Malaysian citizen, I agree with Malaysia joining BRICS," added another.
According to local media, PM Anwar Ibrahim recently told a Chinese outlet that Malaysia had submitted its application to join the alliance, and it is awaiting confirmation from the South African.
BRICS has undergone two expansions since its foundation in 2006. In 2011, South Africa joined the group, which included Brazil, Russia, India and China. On January 1, 2024, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia were invited to join.