COMMENT | A couple of days ago, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s interest in joining the intergovernmental organisation Brics.

Brics is a group consisting of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Initially established in 2006 with four countries, South Africa later joined in 2010, resulting in the name change to Brics.

In January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates also joined the organisation.

Brics members convene annually for a summit to set common objectives, focusing on economic development, as well as political and security cooperation.

The bloc has emerged as a significant player in global politics, challenging the dominance of the Western powers.