MALAYSIA is exercising caution regarding Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s potential visit to Russia despite multiple invitations. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasised the country’s careful stance on international engagements during a session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Mohamad who goes by the moniker Tok Mat, underscored the need for Wisma Putra to advise the PM to meticulously evaluate each invitation and proposal.
“We must be cautious in positioning our country,” he said, underlining the importance of avoiding entanglement in complex global politics that could create issues in relationships with other nations.
Tok Mat also reassured that Malaysia maintains positive relations with key international players, including Russia and China. He was responding to questions from Machang MP Wan Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal about the lack of an official visit to Moscow.
Wan Fayhsal noted that despite Russia’s invitations, no arrangements have been made for visits by the Foreign Ministry or the PM. He inquired when such a visit might take place, suggesting that Malaysia’s approach to joining BRICS should involve engaging with Russia.
“If Malaysia wants to join BRICS, the approach should be knocking on Moscow’s door, not Brazil’s,” he said.
He also proposed that Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 could serve as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Meanwhile, Tok Mat explained that any official visit by the PM or Foreign Minister could be perceived as endorsing bilateral relations with the host nation.
“We don’t want to be seen as leaning towards anyone,” he stated, reiterating Malaysia’s balanced foreign policy.
He pointed out the necessity of planning any official visit carefully, given the current fluid geopolitical situation.
“Our foreign policy today is not merely traditional diplomacy but also trade diplomacy,” added the Foreign Minister, noting ongoing efforts with the International Trade and Industry Ministry to explore beneficial regional trade opportunities.
Furthermore, Tok Mat addressed Malaysia’s interest in joining BRICS, clarifying that the group is a loose coalition rather than a defence or security bloc.
“BRICS is not a bloc based on defence or security but a loose coalition. We need to ensure that we do not become part of a unipolar world dominated by a single great power.
“That’s why BRICS is seen as a foundational platform for Malaysia, advocating for a world not overly dominated or managed by one party alone,” he further added.
BRICS, established in 2009, is a cooperation platform for emerging economies, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010.
In January 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE became new members. Russia currently holds the BRICS presidency, with Brazil set to take over next year. – June 27, 2024
