Kuala Lumpur, May 22 -- Malaysia's participation in BRICS is expected to strengthen the country's position amid growing global economic competition and reduce dependence on traditional financial systems dominated by major powers, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on May 22.

Mohamad said BRICS was established to ensure that countries in the Global South are not sidelined, noting that the bloc currently accounts for about 30% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and represents a significant share of the world's population.

The bloc's agenda is to ensure that BRICS countries are able to enhance and maximise their capabilities so that they are not left behind, especially in the post-COVID-19 period, he said.

Mohamad also stre...