Joining hands for global resilience

BRICS and Asean members must strengthen strategic cooperation, says Anwar

RIO DE JANEIRO: Developing nations should no longer be considered marginal players in the global system as the Global South has risen to possess its own strength in technology, trade, leadership and world morals, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said today, BRICS has moved beyond political rhetorics and is in fact a coalition of political power, economy and civil society that moves together in demanding for a global system that is more fair and just.

“BRICS’ uniqueness lies in the active participation of the private sector, women, youth and society, making the struggle not just an elite cause but a movement that is collective, inclusive and resilient,” he said at the BRICS Business Forum yesterday.

The Prime Minister said that as Asean Chair, Malaysia shares this aspiration.

“We in South-East Asia fight for multilateralism, strengthen intra-Asean trade and pioneer the use of local currency in cross border transactions.

“This is a concrete move towards a financial system that is more stable and free of unilateral domination,” he said.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Anwar said BRICS and Asean members must also strengthen strategic cooperation, including boost trade and investment with developing nations.

“I also call for major reforms towards global institutions such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organisation to reflect current realities and the need of developing countries, and not be trapped in an obsolete post World War II structure,” he said.

BRICS 2025 Summit, said the Prime Minister, should not be merely a continuity of past efforts, but rather, be the point of new beginnings.

“With political leadership that is visionary, public sector that is progressive and unity among the Global South, we have a real opportunity to re-shape the global landscape,” he said.

Anwar landed here last night, the third and final leg of his official visit and working trip to three cities.

At Galeao Air Force Base here, he was received by the Acting Head of Mission of Malaysia to Brazil Datuk Mohammad Ali Selamat and Brazil’s Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Secretary Ambassador Laudemar Goncalves de Aguiar Neto.

Anwar arrived at 5.41am local time (4.41pm Malaysian time) yesterday after a 12-hour flight from Paris where he completed a two-day official visit.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.