A New Era of Multilateralism: Malaysia’s Strategic Vision for BRICS through Civilizational Dialogue

Harapandaily

Malaysia’s recent application to join BRICS under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim marks a strategic shift in the nation’s global diplomacy. While the BRICS bloc — consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — is traditionally viewed as an economic alliance, Malaysia’s participation brings with it a deeper and broader vision. Anwar Ibrahim, known for his long-standing commitment to fostering dialogue between civilizations, sees BRICS as more than a platform for economic cooperation. For him, it is an opportunity to create a new era of multilateralism — one that draws upon the diverse cultural and civilizational perspectives of its members to address global challenges.

This moment represents more than just Malaysia’s inclusion in BRICS; it offers a chance to reshape the bloc’s future. By adopting an inter-civilizational approach, BRICS can evolve into a forum that tackles the most pressing global issues — from economic inequality to climate change — through dialogue, respect, and cooperation. In this framework, Malaysia, along with potential future members like Türkiye, can be pivotal in steering BRICS towards a multilateral model that values diverse perspectives in global governance.

BRICS and the Need for a Civilizational Dialogue

Since its formation, BRICS has functioned as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. While the bloc has achieved notable successes in economic collaboration, it now stands at a crossroads. The global landscape is more complex than ever, with rising geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, and increasing inequality. To remain relevant, BRICS must expand beyond its economic mandate and incorporate a civilizational dialogue into its governance structure.

Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership brings a unique opportunity to do just that. Malaysia’s rich multicultural and multireligious heritage positions it as an ideal advocate for dialogue that transcends cultural, religious, and geographical boundaries. Anwar’s vision for the Malaysia MADANI framework — built on the principles of Sustainability, Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity, and Trust — is not just a national philosophy but a blueprint for how BRICS can evolve into a more inclusive and effective global force.

Civilizational Dialogue: The Strategic Imperative

The world today faces unprecedented challenges that require cooperative and culturally sensitive solutions. Geopolitical competition, environmental degradation, and social inequalities cannot be addressed solely through traditional economic or military alliances. What the world needs is a multilateral approach grounded in dialogue and mutual respect between civilizations. BRICS, with its diverse membership spanning continents and cultures, is well-positioned to adopt such an approach.

  1. Cultural Diversity as a Strategic Asset
    The strength of BRICS lies in its diversity. The combined civilizational heritages of China, India, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa — soon potentially joined by Malaysia and Türkiye — create a powerful platform for addressing global issues from multiple cultural perspectives. Malaysia’s inclusion would bring a distinct Southeast Asian viewpoint, further enriching the bloc’s civilizational diversity. Together, these nations could champion a model of global governance that prioritizes cooperation over confrontation and embraces diversity as a source of strength.
  2. Geopolitical Stability through Civilizational Dialogue
    In an era of heightened geopolitical tensions, from the conflict in Ukraine to the simmering disputes in the South China Sea, an inter-civilizational approach offers a path towards de-escalation and cooperation. BRICS could serve as a platform where member states engage in dialogue to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing shared human values rather than competing political interests. Malaysia’s track record of peaceful diplomacy and commitment to international mediation makes it a natural leader in fostering such dialogue within BRICS.
  3. Addressing Global Challenges with Inclusive Solutions
    From climate change to digital governance, the world’s most critical challenges require solutions that are not only effective but also respectful of cultural and civilizational contexts. BRICS, through its inter-civilizational lens, could lead in promoting sustainable development that incorporates traditional knowledge alongside modern science. Similarly, in areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, BRICS could champion a digital governance model that respects cultural sovereignty while promoting global security. Malaysia, as a technology hub in Southeast Asia, could play a key role in these discussions.
  4. Rebalancing Global Power Structures
    By embracing an inter-civilizational approach, BRICS can offer a counter-narrative to the Western-dominated global order. Rather than perpetuating the economic and political models that have led to inequality and instability, BRICS can promote a more just and inclusive world order. Malaysia, under Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, would bring its longstanding advocacy for social justice to BRICS, helping the bloc prioritize equitable development and human rights within its agenda.

MADANI Global Dialogue: A Framework for the Future of BRICS

Anwar Ibrahim’s MADANI framework provides a strategic roadmap for how BRICS can operationalize its inter-civilizational approach. Each of the six pillars of MADANI — Sustainability, Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity, and Trust — aligns with the values BRICS needs to adopt if it is to succeed in reshaping global governance.

  1. Sustainability: In an era of climate crisis, BRICS can lead the global conversation on sustainability by promoting environmentally friendly policies that respect the needs of both developed and developing nations. Malaysia, with its strong focus on green growth, could champion this within the bloc.
  2. Compassion: BRICS can promote compassionate governance that prioritizes human dignity and social welfare over profit maximization. Malaysia’s experience in advocating for global humanitarian issues, particularly in Palestine, positions it as a moral leader in BRICS’ efforts to address inequality and conflict.
  3. Respect: An inter-civilizational approach demands respect for cultural differences. BRICS can lead by example, fostering cooperation based on mutual understanding and tolerance. Malaysia, as a multicultural nation, could play a key role in advancing this dialogue.
  4. Innovation: The challenges of the 21st century require innovative solutions. BRICS, through its diverse membership, can foster technological and social innovation that benefits all of humanity. Malaysia’s growing reputation as a tech hub positions it to contribute meaningfully to this effort.
  5. Prosperity: Economic development should not be limited to a few. BRICS can promote shared prosperity by advocating for policies that distribute wealth more equitably, both within and between nations. Malaysia’s inclusive economic model aligns perfectly with this goal.
  6. Trust: Building trust between nations is essential for any multilateral organization. BRICS, through its inter-civilizational approach, can create a more trustworthy global order by promoting transparency, accountability, and cooperation. Malaysia’s history of diplomacy and peace-building makes it a natural leader in fostering trust within the bloc.

Conclusion: A New Era of Multilateralism

Malaysia’s bid to join BRICS under Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership represents a strategic opportunity for the bloc to redefine itself. By adopting an inter-civilizational approach, BRICS can become more than just an economic alliance; it can evolve into a platform for global governance that promotes justice, equity, and peace.

With the inclusion of Malaysia and Türkiye, BRICS has the potential to address the world’s most pressing challenges in a way that respects cultural diversity and fosters global cooperation. Anwar Ibrahim’s MADANI vision provides a clear and strategic framework for how BRICS can lead this new era of multilateralism — one where dialogue, mutual respect, and shared prosperity guide the global community toward a more just and peaceful future.

Moreover, Malaysia is well-positioned to host the MADANI Global Dialogue, bringing together world leaders, especially from BRICS nations, to engage in civilizational dialogue and work towards solving critical global challenges. By hosting this dialogue, Malaysia can serve as the epicenter of discussions that will shape the future of multilateralism, showcasing the country’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and global cooperation through dialogue.

Yusmadi Yusoff is a former Senator and MP and Founder of RIGHTS Foundation – an independent think tank and charity organization.