Anwar Reaffirms Nations’ Right to Choose Their Own Path at BRICS Summit

NEW DELHI: Malaysia has reaffirmed its firm commitment to upholding the principle of strategic autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, free from undue influence or pressure arising from rivalry among the world’s major powers.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the freedom to determine one’s own future is the sovereign right of every nation and is essential to safeguarding the stability and prosperity of its people.

According to Anwar, Malaysia’s participation as a BRICS Partner Country is not aimed merely at gaining influence, but serves as a platform to champion global justice and expand opportunities for multilateral economic diplomacy.

“For Malaysia, strategic autonomy means the freedom to choose our own path, and the courage to defend that choice when the moment demands it.

“BRICS can expand our choices and strengthen our ability to shape the world around us.

“But influence is not an end in itself; it matters only if we are prepared to use it in service of the principles we uphold.

“As a Partner Country, Malaysia intends to contribute in this spirit,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while delivering Malaysia’s national statement during the plenary session of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre here today.

Linking the principle of strategic autonomy to future challenges, Anwar called on BRICS countries to reform unfair trade practices by strengthening high-technology cooperation through smart partnerships.

He stressed the importance of training and technology transfer in emerging fields, particularly semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), to help bridge the digital divide between countries in the Global South and developed nations.

On environmental sustainability, the Prime Minister emphasised that the green transition must be fair and take into account each country’s economic circumstances.

He said countries should not be forced to move at the same pace without considering their fiscal capacity and level of development.

Instead, Anwar said BRICS countries should invest collectively in mitigation technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

Astro Awani