KUALA LUMPUR — The United States respects Malaysia’s sovereign right to pursue its own foreign and economic policy, including exploring engagement with the BRICS economic bloc, said US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan.
Kagan said Washington understood Malaysia’s motivation to broaden trade and investment prospects, but emphasised that the country’s long-term economic success remains closely tied to its integration within Western supply chains — a partnership reinforced by the recently signed US-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
“The US has a deep appreciation of Malaysia’s views on its foreign policy, and we recognise Malaysia has a sovereign right to do what is in its best interest, and we understand what is driving the interest in BRICS,” he told Bernama in an interview.
“At the same time, the President has been very clear about what some red lines are and the potential consequences that would come from crossing those,” he added, without elaborating on the “red lines”.
BRICS currently comprises eleven countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
Kagan noted that while BRICS could offer Malaysia “limited economic benefits under certain circumstances,” it should not be viewed as being at odds with Kuala Lumpur’s deepening economic partnership with Washington.
“I don’t see it as a zero-sum game. Malaysia can consider the possibility that there might be economic benefit under some circumstances to being involved with BRICS, and at the same time, strengthen its already strong economic relationship with the US,” he said.
He pointed out that Malaysia’s “deep integration in Western supply chains” — particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, green technology, and advanced manufacturing — has been crucial to its resilience and competitiveness.
“The integration has been reinforced by the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade,” he said, referring to the trade pact signed during US President Donald Trump’s official visit to Malaysia last week.
Kagan reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to boosting bilateral cooperation and investor confidence, adding that Trump had expressed satisfaction with his visit.
“President Trump had a wonderful time in Malaysia. He was extremely happy with the opportunity to see it firsthand, and with the relationship he built with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and that we were able to work so well together,” Kagan said. — November 2, 2025