Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared the country’s plans to boost the economy and strengthen regional cooperation in an exclusive interview with TV host and director of Television BRICS International Cooperation.
Below is the interview text.
In 2025, Malaysia was recognized as BRICS Partner State status. What does this status mean? Also, what opportunities will be available to both BRICS and Malaysia?
Malaysia is a trading country. ASEAN takes the position of centrality. In other words, we should be involved with all countries. BRICS represents a new initiative as a cohesive force within the Global South. We decide for each other. We will support and negotiate the rest. I think it shows that you are interested in protecting the grass at the same time and working with others.
The close relationship with BRICS will certainly have an impact on the economy. What is Malaysia’s top priority for further economic development over the next few years? Also, which sector are you planning to develop first?
It currently focuses on digital transformation, connectivity, and large investments in data centers and AI. As you know, Malaysia is currently a regional hub for semiconductors, AI and data centres, and is embarking on an energy transition. We are also working with our ASEAN neighbors to advance our energy transition agenda, and are currently implementing a local power grid to improve energy sharing across the region.
Furthermore, food security remains an important priority. Cooperation with countries such as the Russian Federation, China and Brazil will strengthen resilience in this sector.
Digital transformation has already been highlighted in a recent statement by the Malaysian Foreign Trade Development Corporation as one of the country’s strategic development areas for the coming years. What specific initiatives and changes are expected under this digital transformation?
There may be clarity in the policy. We have set priorities and have a national semiconductor strategy, which has allowed us to attract large investments from the world’s largest players. So, other than Google, Microsoft and Nvidia, there are infineons from Germany, making the biggest investments outside of Germany, for example.
Luckily, we have no difficulty attracting investments. The current focus is on improving efficiency and making the country even more attractive. At the same time, we train our people and talents. And this is one of my themes and priorities when I visited Russia. Before that – China, Japan, or Korea. And of course, Brazil at the BRICS summit.
In your opinion, transformation is also possible in the financial sector. We’ve read about your suggestion to revive the idea of the Asian Monetary Fund. It’s not necessarily about competing, it’s about creating a kind of buffer zone to protect against the economic crisis. Is that correct? Please tell me more about that.
Yes, we took a step in that direction. An example is the Chiang Mai Initiative, in which local central banks work together to promote the use of local currency. For example, it currently covers 20% of trade transactions in local currencies in Thailand, Indonesia and China. This accounts for billions of dollars. This indicates that we should go as far as possible, but the dollar remains the dominant currency of the world. But at least we can get some reprieve to ease it, in order to protect our national interests.
With constant GDP growth and key investments in technology, international experts consider Malaysia’s economy to be resilient. Confidence is supported by free trade agreements, including those with BRICS members, the United Arab Emirates. What do these free trade agreements include? Also, are there any similar contracts planned for other BRICS and BRICS+ countries?
Of course, BRICS now has advantages as it focuses on the need to strengthen trade in the global South. Currently, free trade agreements are, of course, a very practical and effective mechanism, and are being introduced to ensure a free flow of goods and products. We did that in many countries. The European Union, for example, remarried after Trump’s tariff policy, is currently keen to pursue Malaysia and, hopefully, ASEAN and FTA. We did that in the UK. A very practical and practical approach is required.
What BRICS adds value is that it focuses on the unique needs of its members, especially in sectors such as raw materials, petrochemicals, gas and food. I think BRICS leaders and experts are trying to negotiate, promoting several contracts to allow them to interact and trade more effectively.
In addition to acquiring BRICS partner status, Malaysia also envisaged ASEAN Chairman in 2025. What important issues are the Southeast Asian countries focusing on among Malaysia’s chairman?
We will be able to hold an ASEAN meeting at the end of May. This focuses primarily on economic issues. It also includes participation from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, which is attended by all six Arab countries, followed by China as an economic summit focused on the economy. It shows that our focus is back to our economic foundations.
After that, at the end of the year, the head of the annual government meeting will be held, with East Asian Economy, India, Australia, New Zealand and of course the United States. It is a great opportunity to engage with key trading partners and strengthen our commitment to rule-based multilateral cooperation.
I don’t think the ASEAN spirit and the Brick spirit should be exposed to unilateral actions in a particular country.
How do Malaysia and ASEAN work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals? Also, which of the 17 goals is top priority?
Well, we are fortunate that, as a subregion, ASEAN is probably the most peaceful and economically most lively. While the economic foundation remains our main focus, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an integral part of our long-term vision. That’s why I mentioned the grid. The power grid is an alternative power source. It’s not fuel-based, it’s not fossil fuels.
Therefore, it is the alternative energy sources of hydropower generation and gas that link the regions. This is an incredible change from international methods and a major contribution to climate protection and environmental priorities.
As far as we are concerned, I think it’s a very important beginning.
In response to the impacts of climate change, ASEAN states are taking action at national, regional and global levels. What specific measures are being taken and how are they collaborating in this area? If I’m not wrong, the strategic plan of action has already been adopted.
Yes, but we need to take a position too. In Malaysia, for example, more than 52% of our land remains covered in native forests and jungles. We cannot continue to listen to some of the developed countries, and we denounce us on what to do while they themselves destroy the environment and do not respect their promise of support.
We can now make a lot of money just by selling wood, but we don’t. why? We want to protect our heritage and the environment. And that’s our rule – even at the cost. Well, that’s why various companies in the past have already given their commitments. But instead, what we hear is a more unfair lecture, with no real action to bring justice to many relatively poor countries, even within the ASEAN region.
Malaysia is a little lucky – we are at least struggling – but some countries are in much more difficult shapes. We want them to protect the environment – no cutting of forests. But it would have been fair to give them the necessary support they had promised. But like I said, this is not completely fulfilled.
Overall, what are the environmental policies of ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia? Southeast Asia is known for its rich biodiversity. Since 1977, ASEAN countries have implemented joint environmental initiatives and approved environmental programs. What are the major achievements so far, and what initiatives are currently underway?
When talking about supporting environmental protection and climate initiatives, it’s not just Malaysia. Of course, Malaysia is an oil producer. We take a big step. However, all ASEAN countries adopt similar programs. And I think they are doing what is reasonably expected of them to do justice to these countries. That’s what I’m saying.
So why are you hoping we can do much more when other countries don’t even meet their commitment to support? Like I said, in ASEAN, some countries are relatively poor and need to be supported. We do not ask for assistance or donations – only for what was originally promised.
So I’m very optimistic. Take the ASEAN power grid for example – what does that mean? This demonstrates the complete commitment of these countries to move from traditional fossil fuels to alternatives. It’s offered at a huge cost, but we decided that was the direction to go.
So I don’t think Malaysia is the only one that is in this commitment. It includes other countries, from Vietnam to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei. We’re all covered.
Despite facing serious global challenges, BRICS and ASEAN still value cultural exchange. Malaysia has the Malaysian International Women’s Association and we know that there are members from over 30 countries. What are the main activities of the association? I’ve heard of events celebrating the work of world-renowned writers and poets. Why do you think such cultural initiatives are important? Have you had the opportunity to attend one of these events yourself?
Well, I’ll join whenever I can. But, as you look, development and progress is not purely economic. Of course, economic fundamentals must remain a priority. That’s obvious. But we also talk about human development. We are talking about values, justice, peace – and these go beyond purely economic concerns.
For me, the role of women is absolutely vital. It’s not just family, but it’s essential in itself. Their involvement in education, the environment, and healthcare is deeply interrelated. They can no longer be defined in terms of being mothers and caretakers. Of course, that remains fundamental, but we also recognize their important role in promoting public health, environmental protection and corruption-free governance.
(Source: TV BRICS)