MALAYSIA'S FOREIGN POLICY STAYS UNCHANGED DESPITE BEING PARTNER OF BRICS - MOHAMAD ALAMIN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's foreign policy remains independent, principled and pragmatic, despite being a partner of BRICS recently, said Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.

He said Malaysia as a sovereign country, is free to choose whatever organisation it wants to join, but it must be based on meticulous consideration and benefits to the country.

Besides, Mohamad said Malaysia's participation in BRICS is in line with the foreign policy of supporting multilateralism to address various geopolitical and global economic challenges.

"We are always committed to strengthening relations and cooperation with foreign countries, which are able to provide benefits in terms of economic development, investment as well as our bilateral relations with any country.

"We also support the supremacy of international law, including the United Nations charter," he said in response to a supplementary question by V. Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) regarding the assurance on national affairs such as politics, economy and national sovereignty with no interference by foreign countries after Malaysia joined BRICS at the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Mohamad said Malaysia's involvement in any organisation at the international level will be fully aimed at actively moving forward and giving a good impact to the country.

He said this was proven through the country's membership in the UN, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Non-Aligned Movement and so on.

"This is our role. Not to mention that we will be the Chairman of ASEAN next year... we will play a great role at the international level. Certainly our foreign policy will not change, in fact we will open up new opportunities when we join BRICS," he said.

Responding to Ganabatirau's original question about the government's efforts to ensure that BRICS does not influence the country's domestic and political affairs, Mohamad said BRICS as an organisation is based on economic development and cooperation which practices a policy of not influencing and interfering in the internal affairs of its member countries.

"BRICS was established based on the principle of consensus and emphasises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member countries.

"The BRICS countries prioritise the principles of mutual respect, equality and inclusiveness in the work process and all decisions are made based on consensus," he said.

Besides, Mohamad said Malaysia being accepted as a BRICS Partner is in line with efforts to drive the country's economy to grow more rapidly and stay stable and resilient.

"In this regard, it has a positive impact on the progress and socioeconomic well-being of the people because it is able to open new market opportunities for national trade, increase trade and foreign direct investment with BRICS member countries, thus balancing the country's dependence on existing traditional markets," he said.

-- BERNAMA