Malaysia is getting ready to join the BRICS group of emerging economies, according to prime minister Anwar Ibrahim during an interview with Chinese media outlet Guancha.

The BRICS group of nations was originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Yet last year, the BRICS group began expanding its membership in an effort to challenge the Western-dominated world order. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates joined the group, and over 40 countries have expressed interest in joining, Reuters reports.

“We have made a decision, we will be placing the formal procedures soon... we are just waiting for the final results from the government in South Africa,” Anwar stated.

"We can no longer accept the scenario where the West wants to control the discourse because the fact is they are not colonial powers anymore and independent countries should be free to express themselves. The world is no longer unipolar, and the rise of BRICS and China has offered a glimmer of hope that there are checks and balances in the world," he went on to say.

The prime minister’s comments were made ahead of a three-day visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang this week, which is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.

Malaysia and China are forecast to sign several deals during Premier Li Qiang visit, such as the renewal of a five-year trade and economic cooperation agreement.

The 2024 BRICS summit is scheduled to take place in October in Kazan, Russia, with Moscow heading up the organisation since January.