Malaysia firm on foreign policy despite BRICS partnership

MALAYSIA’S foreign policy remains independent, principled and pragmatic, despite being a partner of BRICS recently, says Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.

He said Malaysia as a sovereign country, is free to choose whatever organisation it wants to join, but it must be based on meticulous consideration.

Besides, Mohamad said Malaysia’s participation in BRICS is in line with the foreign policy of supporting multilateralism to address various geopolitical and global economic challenges.

“We are always committed to strengthening relations and cooperation with foreign countries, which are able to provide benefits in terms of economic development, investment as well as bilateral relations with any country.

“We also support the supremacy of international law, including the United Nations charter,” he said in response to a supplementary question by V. Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) at the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, where he sought assurance that there would be no foreign interference on national affairs and sovereignty after Malaysia joined BRICS.

Mohamad said Malaysia’s involvement in any organisation at the international level would be fully aimed at actively moving forward and positively impacting the country.

He said this was proven through the country’s membership in the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Non-Aligned Movement and so on.

“This is our role. Not to mention that we will be the Asean chair next year... we will play a great role internationally. Our foreign policy will not change. In fact, we will open up new opportunities when we join BRICS,” he said.

He added that BRICS as an organisation is based on economic development and cooperation which observes a policy of not influencing and interfering in the internal affairs of member countries.

“BRICS countries prioritise the principles of mutual respect, equality and inclusiveness in the work process and all decisions are made based on consensus.”