COMMENT | Those familiar with the rules of engagement know the principle: “Do not fire until fired upon.” But in today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, waiting too long can mean losing critical ground.

With Maga’s “America First” doctrine scoring an early goal through Donald Trump’s political comeback, the Brics alliance led by China President Xi Jinping and Russia President Vladimir Putin is pressing to equalise by creating a multipolar world.

With two years into his administration and halfway through his first term, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces a critical challenge. Brics now stands in a one-on-one with the US, and Malaysia risks falling behind if it doesn’t navigate these global shifts carefully.

Malaysia’s recent decision to join Brics marks a significant shift under Anwar’s leadership. Malaysians now have skin in the game. But can Anwar inspire Malaysians toward a “Malaysian First” doctrine? Can he rally Bangsa Malaysia to foster innovation and technology that sets the nation apart on the global stage?

‘America First’ a prequel to ‘Bangsa Malaysia’

In 2017, Trump introduced...