By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A new multipolar world order based on multilateralism, equality and mutual respect is taking shape, empowering countries of the Global South and others outside the traditional Western-dominated structure allowing these nations to finally chart their own path on their own terms.

“We are building an order rooted in equal rights for all countries, and in cooperation that benefits every partner,” the ambassador said. "This requires hard work, but we are confident of success," Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov told a press briefing on the sidelines of a memorial event to mark the end of the Second World War in Asia.

He explained that for decades, developing nations, once labeled the Third World, faced pressure from so-called developed countries which make up the Collective West, which often sought to exert influence not only over foreign policy but even internal affairs. "Such interference was very dangerous and deprived many nations of the ability to defend their own interests," he said.

Against this backdrop, non-Western platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have gained momentum, holding constructive meetings that focus on connectivity, infrastructure and shared development. 

These groupings are widely seen to be responding to the real needs of the Global South, in contrast with Western nations, which remain preoccupied with conflicts and sanctions and have failed to offer meaningful developmental support.

“BRICS is a very good platform, not only to hear what Western countries are saying or doing, but also to uphold independent foreign and domestic policies,” Latypov observed. "It shows that the Global South is no longer a passive recipient of (Western) lectures, but an active participant in shaping the international agenda."

Turning to regional developments, the ambassador highlighted Russia’s growing ties with Malaysia under its ASEAN chairmanship. "We are ready to be a reliable and good partner for Malaysia, and we should unite our efforts to fully realise the potential of our two nations," he said.

Latypov noted that Russia-Malaysia bilateral trade currently stands at about 3 billion U.S. dollars, but both sides see far greater opportunities. "We are not satisfied with these figures, because they do not reflect our full potential. Our main task is to identify and fulfill this potential," he said.

The ambassador pointed to high-level exchanges between Malaysian leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin particularly with the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, noting that the discussions covered bilateral as well as international issues. 

"Of course, one of the main topics was peace, security and mutually beneficial cooperation in Southeast Asia," he said.

He emphasized that Russia views ASEAN as a strategic partner and is committed to deepening engagement through Malaysia’s leadership. "We will be happy to help Malaysia with its chairmanship in ASEAN. We hope Malaysia will also help us develop relations with ASEAN countries in different spheres," he said.

The ambassador welcomed Malaysia’s decision to become a BRICS partner country and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s participation in the recent SCO meeting in China. 

"We highly appreciate Malaysia’s position, and we hope Malaysia will contribute to strengthening ASEAN–SCO relations, which have very good potential," he said, adding that Russia is ready to work with Malaysia hand in hand to unlock these capabilities.

Latypov noted practical cooperation under discussion, including proposals for direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Russian cities to facilitate business and tourism exchanges, expressing hope that these plans will come to rapid fruition. 

He added that Russia does not seek to impose its views, but expects the same respect in return. "I am not in a position to teach my Western partners what to do," he said. "But too often they try to teach us, and other countries, how to live. That era must end," he said.