DAVOS — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the Global South, including BRICS, must take a stand because the international financial structure, represented by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations, requires reform.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, noted that alliances like BRICS are essential as mechanisms for discussing reform rather than engaging in zero-sum games.
“We talk about democracy but refuse to accept democratic principles and accountability. The World Trade Alliance (WTA) needs to make some adjustments.
“That is all they are asking for. We are not going to war. We still work under the present mechanisms,” he said during a one-on-one exclusive dialogue titled “A Conversation with Anwar Ibrahim” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit 2025.
The session was moderated by the WEF’s founder and chairman of the board of trustees, Prof Klaus Schwab.
Anwar pointed out that Malaysia, as a trading nation, must adopt a friendly posture toward all countries to survive and thrive economically.
He highlighted Malaysia’s position as an emerging economy and, as chairman of Asean, reaffirmed the alliance’s principle of centrality.
“Traditionally, we have strongly engaged with the United States and will continue to do so. China is an important neighbour; we do not have problems.
“Of course, people highlight the issue of the South China Sea, the border, but I remind you that Malaysia is a maritime country,” he added.
The prime minister also stressed that China has become an important player in Asean and treats the bloc with great seriousness.
“More seriously than many of our old allies and friends,” he said.
Anwar added that as a fiercely independent country that upholds the principle of centrality, Malaysia is now deepening engagement with the European Union (EU).
He said that Malaysia had informed the EU of the need to work collaboratively with the Global South and BRICS.
Anwar’s three-day working visit to Davos marks his first attendance at WEF since taking office in 2022. — January 22, 2025