Malaysia Seeks Membership in BRICS, OECD

Malaysia is pursuing membership in both the BRICS group and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), according to Tengku Zafrul Aziz, the country's Minister of International Trade and Industry.

Tengku Zafrul emphasized that Malaysia's strategic approach aims to bolster its international influence by engaging with these significant global organizations.

The move is part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to enhance its global role and economic development.

Previously, Thailand has also expressed interest in joining both BRICS and the OECD, seeking to balance relations with China and Western nations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed on June 13 that the country will soon initiate the process to join BRICS, a group established in 2006 with South Africa joining in 2011.

The latest BRICS expansion occurred on January 1, 2024, when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE became full members. Russia currently chairs BRICS and will host the summit in Kazan this October.

The OECD, comprising 38 developed countries including the US, Canada, and most EU nations, focuses on shaping economic policies to improve global economic welfare.

Notably, Russia is not a member of the OECD.