GOPENG, Sept 13 — Malaysia’s participation as a Brics partner opens up wider trade opportunities with member countries that collectively represent more than half of the world’s population and purchasing power.
Community Communications Department (J-KOM) director-general Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali said the participation allows Malaysia to adopt a ‘middle path’ without having to depend on or align itself with any major global power.
“With Brics, we can balance our trade with various other countries. As a small country, taking the middle path is a very good decision.
“In addition, the people of Brics member countries represent more than half of the world’s population and have high purchasing power, so it would be a great loss if Malaysia did not join this grouping,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after attending the Madani Kita Programme (PMK) with the Simpang Pulai @ Gopeng community at the Rapat Setia Community Hall here today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver a National Statement on Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth at the 18th Brics Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, today.
The Prime Minister is expected to emphasise the importance of strengthening cooperation among Brics member and partner countries in addressing development challenges, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement and innovation are enjoyed more inclusively by all countries.
Commenting on negative perceptions on social media regarding Anwar’s absence from the group photograph with the 11 heads of state attending the conference, Mohd Hisyamuddin said this did not in any way affect Malaysia’s role or official recognition.
“The 11 Brics member countries are official members. Malaysia, as a Brics partner, remains directly involved in the trade sector. This is an opportunity for us to establish close ties directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the President of Iran, as well as leaders from Brazil and South Africa,” he said.
Meanwhile, in another development, he said J-KOM, the Information Department (JAPEN) and the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) would work together strategically to strengthen the delivery of government information and policies directly to grassroots communities.
He said the collaboration would create more effective and comprehensive synergies in information dissemination to ensure that every government initiative and policy is optimally understood by the people.
“We deliver information and, at the same time, we gather feedback from the grassroots. This approach ensures that the issues addressed are truly targeted, based on findings obtained directly from the grassroots,” he added. — Bernama
