Malaysia Supports BRICS AI Governance Vision, Aligns ASEAN Efforts with Global Digital Goals – PM Anwar

RIO DE JANEIRO|| July 6 (Voice of MAlaysia) – Malaysia has voiced strong support for the BRICS Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, underscoring its alignment with a global vision of ethical, inclusive, and equitable technological development.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, speaking at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit during the Member States’ Intervention session, said Malaysia shares the BRICS bloc’s principles that AI development must prioritize ethics, human dignity, and the reduction of inequality over domination and control.

“Malaysia’s AI initiatives—including our National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines—reflect these shared values. We are committed to an AI future that promotes inclusive growth and respects human rights,” said Anwar.

Anwar emphasized that as the 2025 Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is leading regional efforts through the establishment of the ASEAN AI Security Network. This initiative aims to bolster AI governance and build regional capacity in managing rapid technological change.

He also highlighted the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as a critical step forward, saying, “With the right standards and investments, ASEAN’s digital economy has the potential to reach US$2 trillion by 2030. This is an opportunity we must not let slip.”

The Prime Minister reiterated Malaysia’s broader commitment to multilateralism, describing it as vital for global stability, shared prosperity, and national dignity. However, he cautioned that modern multilateralism must evolve to remain relevant.

“To stay meaningful, multilateralism must go beyond principles of equality. It must deliver tangible outcomes and keep pace with a rapidly fragmenting global market,” he said.

Anwar welcomed BRICS’ call for a rules-based, inclusive trading system and said Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” complements BRICS’ priorities.

The BRICS bloc—originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China—expanded over the years to include South Africa (2011) and, more recently, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (2023), and Indonesia (2024). Malaysia is among several nations, including Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan, that have been accepted as BRICS partner countries.

Prime Minister Anwar is attending the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit from July 6–7 at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He is accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, and Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.