Truly, Russia had already indicated that it supported Malaysia’s membership bid. However its ambitions got an extra increase when Putin invited Anwar to attend the Kazan Summit. In line with the Malaysian prime minister, his attendance would symbolize “a major step in the direction of our final purpose of becoming a member of the group”.
At subsequent month’s summit, Malaysia is unlikely to be granted rapid membership as there’s a moratorium on new members. However it’s more likely to be accorded the standing of BRICS Companion, the anteroom for full membership, maybe as early as 2025.
WESTERN DOUBLE STANDARDS ON UKRAINE AND GAZA
The second purpose why Anwar has modified his tune on the Russia-Ukraine Warfare is that he has grown cynical over the West’s harsh criticism of Russia however its muted response to Israel’s army actions in Gaza for the reason that Hamas incursion in October 2023.
Anwar has not solely denounced Israel for the dying of tens of hundreds of Palestinians, he has additionally railed in opposition to the West, and particularly america, for not condemning Israel and persevering with to supply the nation with arms.
In Vladivostok, he not solely accused the West of being immoral, however of making use of double requirements in terms of Ukraine and Gaza. In distinction, he praised Russia for its stance over the battle and its long-standing help for Palestinian statehood.
However whereas there may be undoubtedly a lot fact to Anwar’s heartfelt views, the Malaysian chief has additionally left himself open to accusations of double requirements.
Whereas he informed EEF members that colonisation was one of many root causes of the Israel-Hamas battle, and reprehended Israel for committing atrocities in Gaza, he did not condemn Russian colonialism in Ukraine and its conflict crimes in occupied areas of the nation.
In looking for Moscow’s help for his geopolitical agenda within the World South, and in highlighting the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza, Anwar seems prepared to miss Russia’s sins in Ukraine.
Ian Storey is a Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. This commentary first appeared on the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s weblog, Fulcrum.
