Malaysia's bid for BRICS membership is the right thing to do, given the changing global landscape and Malaysia's upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN, head of the country's national news agency Bernama, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, said.
He added that joining BRICS would certainly expand markets and potentially help reduce over-reliance on the US dollar for trade settlements using local currencies.
The Bernama head highlighted that Malaysia recalls that China has been its largest trading partner for the past 40 years. Kuala Lumpur has repeatedly stated that it will not take sides in the rivalry between the US and China, he noted.
According to him, Malaysia should still be on the waiting list to join BRICS; however, given Malaysia's credentials and the credentials of Anwar Ibrahim, the country will certainly be treated with much attention.
Last week, the Malaysian prime minister said formal proceedings for Malaysia's accession to BRICS would soon begin.