Global South must seize opportunity to reshape multilateralism, says Mohamad

Speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the recent surge in protectionist tariffs was not merely a threat to multilateralism but a sign that the old order is crumbling.

“The stability and security of the world economy, which has long been the promise of hegemony, is now being actively undermined,” he said.

Mohamad challenged prevailing pessimism over the role of developing nations, stressing that the Global South is emerging as a “key actor in the reshuffling of the global order.”

He cited ASEAN’s growing economic clout as evidence — a bloc with a combined GDP of $3.8 trillion and over 677 million people.

"As ASEAN Chair this year, Malaysia is advocating a regional strategy grounded in “economic cohesion and strategic diversification,” with priorities including stronger intra-regional trade and supply chain resilience," saud Mohamad.

He added that these efforts offer a roadmap for how BRICS nations can align prosperity with sustainability.

Calling BRICS “not merely a forum — but a force,” he urged member nations to act as “architects of a fairer and more effective new system,” rather than just critics of the current one.

Refuting recent remarks by a Western commentator who dismissed the Global South as “poor,” Mohamad said such views ignore the geopolitical and economic rise of the region.

“It would be a huge mistake to say that countries in the Global South are not worthwhile partners,” he stated.

"Malaysia, he concluded, is ready to work with any nation “who shares our vision of a just, inclusive, and truly multilateral global order.

“The road ahead may be uncertain, but together, we can shape it with purpose.” he said.