KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, we delve into Malaysia's expressed interest in joining BRICS, the intergovernmental organisation (IGO) comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government is taking steps to join the largest and most influential geo-political grouping, just ahead of welcoming Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Putrajaya on his maiden visit to the country.
Many have welcomed the move, saying it's a step in the right direction. But there have been critics opposed to it too, questioning Malaysia's overdependence on world economic powerhouse, China.
Where will Malaysia's loyalty lie as the government navigates through an increasingly polarised world, divided by ties to Western allies and the growing influence of oriental powers?
All this is discussed in the show's first segment, where hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan sit down with former Investment, Trade, and Industry Deputy Minister, Dr Ong Kian Ming, and Dr Shankaran Nambiar, the Head of Research and Senior Research Fellow at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER).
In the second half of the show, political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul provides his expert take on what to expect from the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election.
The by-election, triggered by the recent death of its assemblyman, Pas's Nor Zamri Latiff, will see a direct contest between the Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan candidates on polling day, July 6.
We examine what's at stake for both sides, with experts predicting potential swings as many voters remain undecided.
The New Straits Times' Audrey Dermawan also helps unpack the events of the first week of campaigning with a special ground report.
Catch all this and more in episode 45 of Beyond the Headlines. Watch the full episode on NST's YouTube channel, @NSTOnline.