Truly, Russia had already indicated that it supported Malaysia’s membership bid. However its ambitions got an additional increase when Putin invited Anwar to attend the Kazan Summit. In accordance with the Malaysian prime minister, his attendance would signify “a major step in direction of our final purpose of becoming a member of the group”.
At subsequent month’s summit, Malaysia is unlikely to be granted quick membership as there’s a moratorium on new members. However it’s prone to be accorded the standing of BRICS Accomplice, 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 Battle is that he has grown cynical over the West’s harsh criticism of Russia however its muted response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza for the reason that Hamas incursion in October 2023.
Anwar has not solely denounced Israel for the demise of tens of 1000’s of Palestinians, he has additionally railed in opposition to the West, and particularly the US, 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 relating to 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’s undoubtedly a lot reality to Anwar’s heartfelt views, the Malaysian chief has additionally left himself open to accusations of double requirements.
Whereas he advised EEF contributors that colonisation was one of many root causes of the Israel-Hamas battle, and reprehended Israel for committing atrocities in Gaza, he didn’t condemn Russian colonialism in Ukraine and its struggle crimes in occupied areas of the nation.
In in search of Moscow’s help for his geopolitical agenda within the International 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.
