Kagan said Washington understands Malaysia’s motivation to expand trade and investment opportunities globally, but stressed that Malaysia’s long-term economic prosperity remains anchored in its integration within Western supply chains, a relationship strengthened by the recently signed US-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade.
“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. We also understand what is driving the interest in BRICS,” he told Bernama.
“At the same time, the president (US president Donald Trump) has been very clear about what some red lines are and the potential consequences that would come from crossing those.”
BRICS is a group comprising 11 countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran.
Malaysia has been a partner country of BRICS since Jan 1.
Kagan said while BRICS might offer some limited economic benefits to Malaysia under certain circumstances, it should not be viewed as conflicting with the country’s deepening economic partnership with the US.
“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 said Malaysia’s “deep integration in Western supply chains”, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, green technology, and advanced manufacturing, has been vital to its economic resilience and global competitiveness.
“The integration has been reinforced by the agreement on reciprocal trade,” he said, referring to the trade pact signed during Trump’s official visit to Malaysia last week.
Kagan reiterated that the US remains committed to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with Malaysia and ensuring continued investor confidence.
“President Trump had a wonderful time in Malaysia. He was extremely pleased to experience the country firsthand, and with his relationship with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“We are glad that both sides were able to work so well together,” he said.