UMNO will help promote Malaysia, which will chair Asean next year, says Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.

The Umno deputy president said it was crucial that Umno promote the nation when it chairs Asean.

“The eyes of the entire world will want to see Malaysia as an effective chair for Asean and in resolving issues affecting the maritime borders in the South China Sea and the turmoil in Myanmar.

“This is a huge responsibility, and we must work together to ensure success,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly on Saturday. (Aug 24).

Mohamad, who is also the Foreign Minister, explained to Umno delegates the reason behind Malaysia’s intention of joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Apart from the economic benefits, Mohamad said that BRICS will allow nations in the global south to receive due treatment from the international community.

“It is a grouping that does not require us to sign any treaty.

“Malaysia wants to be part of BRICS because it wants to be part of a defence treaty.

“It is an informal grouping based more global economics,” he added.

He noted that BRICS accounts for 37% of the global gross domestic product and controls 41% of global oil production.

On June 18, Anwar confirmed that he had expressed Malaysia’s wish to join BRICS to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

BRICS was established in 2009 as a platform for emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2010. Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates were admitted into the organisation in January 2024.

He also assured delegates that Malaysia would continue to voice out for the Palestinians.

“Our support towards the Palestinians is not because they are Muslims or not.

“It is a struggle that we support because of the crimes against humanity and genocide against the Palestinians,” he added.