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Asean a key bridge at BRICS meet

PETALING JAYA: Highlighting the role of Asean as a constructive bridge during the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Brazil is crucial in light of recent global happenings, say geopolitical experts. Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) chairman Datuk Dr Pamela Yong ­characterised Malaysia's participation in the meeting as particularly timely and a strategic move, given the recent developments on the global stage. 'With the global trade system facing unprecedented disruption, particularly due to recent ­unilateral actions by major economies like the United States, there is an urgent need for Asean to act as a collective voice for developing nations,' she said when contacted yesterday. She added that the meeting would not merely provide a platform for engagement to strengthen its stance on multilateralism, but also ensure that Asean's priori­ties are highlighted. 'It is also about ensuring that Asean priorities, from trade ­resilience to sustainable growth, are represented in shaping a more inclusive and predictable global framework. 'Rather than being caught between competing powers, Malaysia's leadership aims to position Asean as a constructive bridge and an advocate for the Global South,' she said. Yong's views come in the wake of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio de Janeiro held yesterday and today, attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic). 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. The meeting also marks the first gathering of ­foreign ministers from BRICS members and partner countries for this year. It will concentrate on six priority areas: global health, trade, investment and finance, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the reform of the peace and security multilateral system, alongside the institutional development of BRICS. Malaysia officially attained BRICS partner country status on Jan 1. In a statement, Mohamad expressed that Malaysia will actively promote engagement between Asean and BRICS with the aim of enhancing regional and economic coopera­tion. 'As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between Asean and BRICS aimed at fostering regional coopera­tion and enhancing economic collaboration,' he said. He added that the meeting would look into ways to reinforce collective efforts towards a fairer, more sustainable global economy, which resonates strongly with Malaysia's national interests and commitment to inclusive sustainable development. 'In particular, the emphasis on trade and investment is apt and timely, given the growing uncertainties in the global economic landscape in the wake of the United States' unilateral tariffs,' added Mohamad. He is also scheduled to deliver Malaysia's national intervention during a dedicated session focused on 'The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multi­lateralism', which reflects Malay­sia's steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voices of developing countries. Meanwhile, Nusantara Aca­demy for Strategic Research ­senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the multilateralism approach taken by Malaysia would resonate well during the meeting. 'We do not want to bring Asean closer to any particular global power, such as China or the United States, but we want to raise our stand on multilateralism. It will show that we should be talking to all countries,' he said. He added that highlighting the role of the Global South was also crucial during the meeting. 'While only four Asean nations are part of BRICS, all 10 Asean members are part of the Global South,' he said.