Malaysia is bidding to become the latest member of the BRICS group founded by Brazil, Russian, Indian and China plus South Africa. The grouping expanded earlier this year by adding Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. This year's host Russia has invited Malaysia to attend October's BRICS summit, something Malaysia hopes will be a stepping stone to full membership. Rian Maelzer reports.

Malaysia is already a member of key groupings such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement as well as major trade pacts including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership.

RIAN MAELZER Kuala Lumpur "And regardless who has led Malaysia, the country has long pursued a balanced foreign policy, enjoying close economic and strategic ties with both China and the U.S."

The government and analysts believe BRICS is a good fit for Malaysia and vice-versa.

COLLINS CHONG Foreign Affairs and Security Analyst, University of Malaya "We have done the, you know, cost-benefit calculation in terms of grand strategic returns to the country where we see BRICS is a natural platform for us to not only elevate our voice, our influence, at the global level in terms of consolidation of our position as a middle power and as a stabilizing power in the region."

MICHAEL YEOH CEO, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific "I think BRICS plays a very important role in connecting Malaysia with a Global South and Malaysia has long been championing the Global South with our focus on the non-aligned movement."

Malaysia has plenty to gain and to offer BRICS economically too.

It is a major trading country and exporter of commodities. It also plays a critical role in the global electronics supply chain.

MICHAEL YEOH CEO, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific "I think we would be able to benefit from BRICS through the potential opportunities arising from increased trade and investments with Brazil, with South Africa, some of the countries that Malaysia previously don't have much of an economic relationship with. Even economic relationship with Russia has not been very much, so I think BRICS will enable Malaysia to tap into opportunities."

All beneficial to Malaysia as it seeks to diversify both its import and export markets, while gaining a stronger voice on the international stage.

Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur.