Anwar Positions Malaysia, ASEAN As Leading Voices Of Global South
BUSINESS
By Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- As chair of ASEAN, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is clearly asserting Malaysia's position – and that of the regional grouping – as key players in the Global South and a rising force to be reckoned with, demanding a global shift from the dominance of bipolarity to equitable power-sharing through multipolarity.
Throughout his visits from South America to Southeast Asia, and most recently to Russia, the Prime Minister's clear message has been for deeper South-South collaboration to consolidate economic and political influence, enabling these nations to carve out their own destinies rather than be dictated to by the North or developed countries.
Anwar's call for a stronger Global South is therefore timely, as emerging economies grow in stature and influence, seeking a greater say in shaping the global economic and political agenda.
Given that the Global South represents 85 per cent of the world's population and accounts for more than 40 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP) – a share that is only expanding – its call for equity is highly justified.
As part of this strategy, Malaysia is now one of the nine partner countries in BRICS, an informal grouping of emerging economies. Its membership is fast expanding from the original five – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates became official members in 2024, giving the grouping greater clout in undertaking economic initiatives.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the other driving force behind Malaysia's Global South push is the principle of a shared future – a concept that has been well received by fellow leaders.
Speaking to Malaysian media during his recent visit to Russia, where he met President Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister said Malaysia is – and will continue to be – focused on broadening its regional and global partnerships amid rising geopolitical realignments.
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