Malaysia intends to become a part of the BRICS association of emerging economies, as stated by the nation’s leader.

In an interview with the Chinese news platform Guancha, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mentioned that his government would soon commence the procedure to join the bloc, awaiting responses from South Africa, the current BRICS chair, regarding their interest.

"We have clearly laid out our policy and have decided to move forward. We will soon begin the official process. We stand in strong support of the Global South," Anwar declared, as per the Shanghai-based outlet.

Anwar endorsed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s remarks about the overbearing influence of the US dollar in global trade.

"Last year marked Malaysia's highest investment level ever, yet the currency was targeted. Although the situation has improved recently, it defies basic economic principles," Anwar commented.

"Why should a currency, entirely outside the trade framework of the involved nations and with no relevance to their economic activities, be dominant merely because it functions as an international currency?" he questioned.

Established in 2006, the initial members of BRIC included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, transforming it into BRICS.

In January 2024, the association expanded to welcome Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In his interview, Anwar expressed that China’s growth provided optimism for global checks and balances and commended Chinese President Xi Jinping for emphasizing the revival of Asian values.

"My first encounter with President Xi Jinping was impressive because President Xi stands out as a leader who discusses civilization. He's somewhat unique," Anwar noted.

The Malaysian leader also criticized a “Western narrative” that excessively focuses on Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.

"Constantly talking about October 7 is frustrating. Do you intend to overlook 70 years of history by fixating on one event? This is the Western narrative. The problem with the West is their desire to control the discourse, which we cannot accept anymore as they are no longer a colonial power, and independent nations should freely express themselves," Anwar stated to Guancha.

Anwar’s statements came prior to a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

During Li’s visit, which begins on Tuesday, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing are set to renew a five-year pact for economic cooperation and sign agreements to collaborate in sectors like the digital economy and green development.

China has been Malaysia’s top trading partner since 2009, with bilateral trade last year amounting to 450.84 billion ringgit ($98.90bn).