Brazilian Ambassador: Malaysia's Brics Candidacy A Strategic Economic Move

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The Brazilian Ambassador to Malaysia, Ary Quintella, highlighted that Malaysia's interest in joining the BRICS intergovernmental organisation as a strategic economic decision rather than a political statement.

In a recent interview on the Bernama TV programme ‘The Nation,’ the ambassador addressed the concerns from Western observers in Malaysia about the country's intention to join BRICS. He emphasised that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision was driven by strategic economic considerations for the country.

“When the Malaysian Prime Minister announced that he wanted Malaysia to join BRICS, he was not making a political statement. He was making a strategic economic decision.”

Quintella dismissed the idea that BRICS is an anti-Western group, and highlighted Brazil’s perspective on BRICS, noting that it is primarily seen as a platform for economic and trade advantages. 

“BRICS by no means can be seen as an anti-Western grouping. It has Brazil, South Africa, India, now Egypt, and several other countries. It certainly cannot be seen as anti-Western.  

 “Brazil does not see BRICS as a political group. Countries may benefit politically from BRICS, and that is perfectly alright. But what Brazil sees mostly in BRICS is the economic and trade advantages,” he said. 

He said that Brazil welcomes very much Malaysia's candidacy to become a member of BRICS and personally believes Malaysia fulfils all the requirements to be a member of BRICS.

During the programme, the ambassador also addressed the notion that membership in BRICS is essential for trade between member countries.

 “I have been asked by some Western observers here, ‘But do you need to be in BRICS in order to trade with the other BRICS members?’ No, you don’t. 

“China is already our biggest trade partner, and it would be even if China or Brazil were not members of BRICS. But being in the same group facilitates dialogue and promotes more opportunities for meetings and exchange of opinions,” he said. 

He noted that Malaysia, despite not yet being a BRICS member, shares concerns with other Global South countries about inequality on the international stage. 

“I believe that President Lula (Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are two very strong voices from the Global South expressing those concerns. The world should be a more equal place, and the Global South's concerns should be heard more.”

He concluded by expressing hope that BRICS membership would amplify Malaysia’s voice in the international arena. 

“I believe that BRICS helps in making your voice heard. Being a BRICS member makes you able to convey your voice more effectively,” he added. 

-- BERNAMA