Malaysia’s diplomatic ambitions received a major boost this week when Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed strong support for Malaysia’s full membership in the BRICS grouping. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is currently on a four-day visit to China, confirmed that Xi had conveyed his backing during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“This is a great honour for our nation to receive support to continue an important role on the world stage,” Anwar told members of the Malaysian media covering his trip.
Xi’s endorsement marks the clearest signal yet that Malaysia’s entry into BRICS—an increasingly influential bloc of emerging economies—may be closer than many expected. Currently, BRICS comprises ten countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Malaysia became a partner country in the grouping late last year, but a move to full membership would represent a significant elevation of its international standing.
The Chinese Backing
Malaysia’s relationship with China has grown steadily stronger over the past two decades. China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, and trade between the two nations was valued at RM484.12 billion in 2024—making up 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade of RM2.879 trillion.
Against this backdrop, Xi’s assurance is more than symbolic. It is a recognition of Malaysia’s role as a crucial partner in Southeast Asia and a gateway between the Global South and the developed economies of the West.
The Russia and India Factor
For Malaysia’s entry into BRICS to be successful, it must enjoy the consensus of existing members. Fortunately, Kuala Lumpur’s relations with other BRICS giants appear equally promising.
Malaysia has long enjoyed warm ties with India, dating back to the post-colonial period. From trade in palm oil to educational exchanges and a strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia, relations between the two countries are deep-rooted. It is unlikely that New Delhi would object to Malaysia’s accession.
Russia, too, has reasons to be supportive. Prime Minister Anwar and Malaysia’s King have both cultivated good rapport with President Vladimir Putin in recent months. Anwar’s government has been notably careful to resist Western pressure to isolate Moscow, preferring instead to advocate for a balanced, non-aligned approach. That stance has not gone unnoticed in Moscow, where Malaysia is seen as a partner that respects sovereignty and global multipolarity.
If China, India, and Russia are all on board, Malaysia’s BRICS membership bid is arguably only one step away from completion.
Anwar’s Stellar International Performance
At home, opinions about Anwar’s domestic policies remain divided. Critics question the pace of reforms and his handling of bread-and-butter economic issues. But on the international stage, even his detractors must concede that Anwar has performed with exceptional skill.
He has stood up to the United States on issues of sovereignty and Gaza, while maintaining Malaysia’s traditional independence in foreign policy. He has strengthened Malaysia’s partnership with China to unprecedented levels. And he has rubbed shoulders with Russia at a time when many leaders in the Global South are recalibrating their ties away from Western dominance.
The invitation to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus summit in Tianjin earlier this week was another feather in Anwar’s cap, underscoring Beijing’s growing confidence in Malaysia as a key diplomatic player in Asia.
The Road Ahead
Malaysia’s full membership in BRICS would mark a turning point. The bloc has increasingly positioned itself as a counterweight to the Western-led G7, and joining it would give Malaysia a voice in shaping global economic policies, development financing, and trade strategies.
It would also elevate Malaysia’s geopolitical status as a bridge between ASEAN, the Islamic world, and the rising Global South. For a medium-sized economy, this is no small achievement.
If all goes smoothly, Malaysia could soon join the ranks of countries shaping the 21st century’s most dynamic multilateral grouping.
For now, though, Malaysians can take pride in the fact that their country is on the cusp of a historic step. And regardless of where one stands on Anwar’s domestic record, his diplomatic achievements are undeniable.
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