PETALING JAYA: The Global South is becoming a key international player and it must chart a new course forward as the world economy is being undermined by the United States’ new trade policies, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad, who spoke at the BRICS Partners Foreign Ministers Meeting 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday, said the slew of tariffs recently announced by the United States should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“This is an opportunity to reshape international cooperation in ways that reflect our strengths and better serve our needs.
“Some might make the mistake of belittling the role of the Global South. They might say, wrongly, that the Global South countries are not worthwhile partners. But the facts say otherwise.
“The Global South, as a collective, is becoming a key actor in global realignment,” he said.
The Global South, or known as the developing world or third world, refers to regions of the world that are less economically developed. On the contrary, the Global North refers to developed and Western countries.
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS group now includes 13 nations, with Malaysia joining as a partner on Jan 1.
According to Mohamad, the Asean region has the fifth largest economy in the world with a combined GDP of US$3.8 trillion and a total population of 677 million people.
“We offer significant purchasing power, strong export performance and open-minded diplomacy,” he said.
With this emerging role in mind, Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, said Malaysia, as the chair of Asean this year, is guiding the region towards unity, economic cohesion and strategic diversification.
“Through our commitment to an open, rules-based and inclusive regional architecture, Asean is focused on strengthening intra-regional trade, developing resilient supply chains and embracing emerging industries that place sustainability and innovation at their core,” he said.
“We believe that the BRICS community shares our aspirations.”
He said BRICS is not just a forum, as it is the force for economic resilience, political balance and social advancement.
“Together, we have the power to reshape the contours of international cooperation – not just as critics of the outgoing system, but as architects of a fairer one.”
Mohamad said Malaysia supports Brazil’s chairmanship of BRICS this year as well as its priorities, which he said are timely and essential.
“Malaysia is ready to work with BRICS to strengthen healthcare systems, share expertise, and promote sustainable, inclusive solutions through our hybrid public-private financing model, which ensures affordability and sustainability,” he added.
The Global South, he said, must not be content with a passive role in global decision-making, as it must be proactive and united in shaping a cooperative and fair world order.
“The road ahead may be uncertain, but together, we can shape it with purpose,” added Mohamad.
The BRICS foreign ministers meeting is one of the important precursors to the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7 under Brazil’s chairmanship.
