NEW DELHI: Malaysia has called for stronger cooperation among BRICS nations and partners to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global order amid rising geopolitical tensions, weakened global institutions and disruptions to supply chains.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the significance of BRICS cooperation has become increasingly important in recent years as the world grapples with economic uncertainties and shifting geopolitical realities.
"Against a backdrop of weakened global architecture, intensified risk of geopolitical conflict and destabilised energy markets and global supply chains, there has never been a greater need for our collaboration," he said during the BRICS Partners' Foreign Ministers' Meeting here on Wednesday (May 13).
He said BRICS, as a grouping that represents some of the world's most productive economies, has the potential to strengthen global resilience through greater intra-trade and cross-investment.
"By leveraging on our relative strengths, BRICS has the potential to forge a major global supply chain. One that is diversified, dependable, and able to withstand global shocks," he said.
Nevertheless, Mohamad said resilience alone would not be sufficient as the current phase of global growth is increasingly shaped by technology and digital transformation.
"Digital public infrastructure, fintech systems, and AI (artificial intelligence) are already changing how economies function and how governments deliver services. But without inclusive access, these technologies will only widen inequality, instead of bridging the gap," he said.
He said Malaysia sees value in deeper BRICS cooperation on digital governance, particularly in AI, digital infrastructure, and skills development to ensure that technological advancements benefit all countries more equitably.
On sustainable development, Mohamad said that green finance must move 'from the margins to the centre of global development planning'.
He also said institutions such as the New Development Bank have a critical role in ensuring financing is fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the Global South.
"Without this, the gap between ambition and implementation will only continue to widen," he added.
BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, represents a major share of the global population and economy, encompassing approximately 3.87 billion people or around 48.8% of the global population.
As of 2025, the collective GDP of BRICS member countries is projected at approximately US$32 trillion (US$1=RM3.9265) representing around 28.5% of global output.
Malaysia, together with Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan have become BRICS Partner Countries starting Jan 1, 2025 while Nigeria obtained the same status on Jan 17 2025, and Vietnam on June 13, 2025. - Bernama
