Authors: Isabelle Chua|Francis E. Hutchinson

Published: 16 Dec 2025

Malaysia’s decision to join BRICS demonstrates its long-standing adherence to strategic equidistance. It also bears Anwar Ibrahim’s personal imprimatur.

Under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia has continued to pursue its long-held foreign policy of “strategic equidistance”. In particular, Kuala Lumpur’s recent application to join the international grouping BRICS bears Anwar’s personal imprimatur.

Malaysia’s “strategic equidistance” is driven by factors such as the country’s colonial past, small population and land size, and outward-oriented economic model. Yet, while constraints and incentives are often predetermined, leaders can also influence their nation’s foreign policies via their preferences and values. This is especially true for Malaysia, where prime ministers can be “chief architects” of foreign policy.

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The article was published by ISEAS.

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA