Actually, Russia had already indicated that it supported Malaysia’s membership bid. But its ambitions were given a further boost when Putin invited Anwar to attend the Kazan Summit. According to the Malaysian prime minister, his attendance would represent “a significant step towards our ultimate goal of joining the group”.
At next month’s summit, Malaysia is unlikely to be granted immediate membership as there is a moratorium on new members. But it is likely to be accorded the status of BRICS Partner, the anteroom for full membership, perhaps as early as 2025.
WESTERN DOUBLE STANDARDS ON UKRAINE AND GAZA
The second reason why Anwar has changed his tune on the Russia-Ukraine War is that he has grown cynical over the West’s harsh criticism of Russia but its muted response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza since the Hamas incursion in October 2023.
Anwar has not only denounced Israel for the death of tens of thousands of Palestinians, he has also railed against the West, and especially the United States, for not condemning Israel and continuing to provide the country with arms.
In Vladivostok, he not only accused the West of being immoral, but of applying double standards when it comes to Ukraine and Gaza. In contrast, he praised Russia for its stance over the conflict and its long-standing support for Palestinian statehood.
But while there is undoubtedly much truth to Anwar’s heartfelt views, the Malaysian leader has also left himself open to accusations of double standards.
While he told EEF participants that colonisation was one of the root causes of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and reprehended Israel for committing atrocities in Gaza, he failed to condemn Russian colonialism in Ukraine and its war crimes in occupied areas of the country.
In seeking Moscow’s support for his geopolitical agenda in the Global South, and in highlighting the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza, Anwar appears willing to overlook 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 blog, Fulcrum.
Source: CNA
