As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, it also becomes a partner nation in the newly structured BRICS group. This shift indicates a deeper integration into the emerging global economic bloc, which many analysts believe is eclipsing ASEAN’s influence in the region. Malaysia’s tenure at the helm of ASEAN will coincide with significant summits and meetings, yet the regional organization’s relevance is increasingly in question.
The Struggles of ASEAN
For years, ASEAN has struggled with internal discord and ineffective regional cooperation. The ASEAN Economic Community, launched in 2015, has failed to live up to its ambitious goals. Political tensions within the region, such as the Myanmar crisis and disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea, have further hampered ASEAN’s effectiveness. Even during Malaysia’s chairmanship, these issues show no signs of resolution.
The diplomatic weight of Malaysia’s leadership is also under scrutiny. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has drawn attention with his appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal advisor for ASEAN affairs. However, this move has raised questions about its effectiveness, especially given Thaksin’s legal challenges in Thailand and his controversial legacy. Without strong leadership in ASEAN’s key foreign affairs posts, Malaysia faces a challenging year in attempting to revitalize the organization.
ASEAN’s Continued Challenges in 2025
Despite a full schedule of summits, including the 46th ASEAN Summit and other dialogues, ASEAN’s progress remains stunted. The South China Sea issue continues to divide member states, making consensus on regional security and territorial claims elusive. The reality is that ASEAN’s meetings will likely produce little more than symbolic agreements and photo opportunities, with no substantial change on the horizon. As such, ASEAN may find itself sidelined as BRICS takes center stage in shaping global economic and political dynamics.
BRICS Grows Stronger in 2025
Meanwhile, BRICS is rapidly expanding its influence, now encompassing nine full members and a growing group of partner states, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. This expansion is part of a broader effort to build new financial institutions, such as the New Development Bank and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement. These initiatives offer member nations alternatives to the US Dollar and the SWIFT banking system, signaling a shift in global financial power.
The key factor driving BRICS’s relevance is not just the economic size of its members but the supplementary agreements spanning defense, technology, trade, and culture. These collaborations are set to redefine the geopolitical landscape in the coming years, and 2025 promises to be pivotal for BRICS as it solidifies its position in global affairs.
Malaysia’s Role in BRICS
As a new partner nation in BRICS, Malaysia stands to benefit from enhanced trade opportunities and access to emerging markets. With a strong export sector in natural resources, including oil palm and gas, Malaysia can strengthen its economic ties with BRICS members. The group’s focus on technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, also presents opportunities for Malaysia to integrate more deeply into global supply chains.
Unlike ASEAN, which remains bogged down by political and territorial disputes, BRICS offers Malaysia a platform for growth and development. The group’s agenda reflects a commitment to challenging the dominance of the West and fostering cooperation among emerging economies. Malaysia is set to benefit from this shift, with new markets for its exports and alternative sources for imports.
The Future of Global Politics
In 2025, all eyes will be on BRICS as it continues to reshape global geopolitics. While ASEAN struggles to maintain its relevance, BRICS is poised to lead the charge in creating a more multipolar world order. For Malaysia, this means a brighter future within BRICS, where the real action will unfold. As the world pivots toward new economic and political alliances, ASEAN’s role may continue to diminish, overshadowed by the growing influence of BRICS.
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