Common Prosperity Among Commonwealth Nations

By Dato’ Dr Hasan Mad
Secretary General, MPM | CEO, The Global Academy @ MPM
28 June 2025 | 2 Muharram 1447H

A Call for Unity Through Shared Prosperity

This blog post aims to highlight the untapped potential of the Commonwealth of Nations as a formidable economic bloc—if only its members would fully embrace the spirit of Common Prosperity, as outlined in the key founding charters:

• Singapore Declaration of Commonwealth Principles (22 January 1971)
• Harare Declaration (1991)
• Charter of the Commonwealth (2012)

These declarations define the Commonwealth as:

“…a voluntary association of independent sovereign nations, each responsible for its own policies, consulting and co-operating in the common interest of their peoples, in the promotion of international understanding and world peace.”

The time has come to translate this lofty vision into pragmatic action, grounded in the strength of our relationships and the shared future we envision.

Global Reach and Demographic Strength

The Commonwealth of Nations today includes 56 independent countries across five continents:

• Africa: 21 nations
• Asia: 8 nations
• Caribbean and the Americas: 13 nations
• Europe: 3 nations
• Pacific: 11 nations

Together, these countries represent over 2.5 billion people—one-third of the world’s population. Notably, India alone accounts for 1.21 billion people. This makes the Commonwealth arguably the largest potential economic bloc, even surpassing the OIC’s 57-member nations (which combined have around 2.0 billion people).

The Economic Reality: Room for Growth

Despite this demographic strength, the Commonwealth faces economic underperformance:

• Combined GDP (2024, IMF): USD 10.92 Trillion
• Global GDP: USD 79.87 Trillion
• Commonwealth Per Capita GDP: USD 3,532
• Global Average Per Capita GDP: USD 10,728

Only 40 of the 56 member countries have per capita GDP above the Commonwealth average. Some members—like Rwanda—have less than USD 1,000 per capita.

Even India, despite its population scale, falls below the Commonwealth average in per capita GDP.

A Malaysian Comparison:

• Malaysia: 34 million people
  • GDP: USD 440 Billion
  • Per Capita GDP: USD 13,142
• Singapore: 6 million people
  • GDP: USD 531 Billion
  • Per Capita GDP: USD 89,370

Malaysia has much room to improve, especially by learning from Singapore, one of the most successful trading nations in the Commonwealth.

Malaysia’s Path to Commonwealth Prosperity

As a member of the Commonwealth, Malaysia has vast opportunities to expand its trade, diplomacy, and influence. With a total consumer base of 2.5 billion and a purchasing power of over USD 10.92 trillion, the Commonwealth market must be strategically tapped.

To achieve this, Majlis Perundingan Melayu (MPM) proposes four strategic initiatives:

Promote and share best practices in public, corporate, and private governance with Commonwealth partners. Emphasis must be on:

• Integrity
• Transparency
• Efficient delivery systems
• Coordinated implementation of national agendas

2. Building a Trading Nation Culture

Equip the Malay Economic Community with knowledge, tools, and incentives to participate in global trade. Cultivate a mindset of entrepreneurship and international competitiveness.

3. Positioning Halal Economy & Islamic Finance

Leverage Malaysia’s strength in the Halal ecosystem and Islamic finance. Make these sectors a signature of our economy that adds unique value to the Commonwealth.

4. Strengthening the Malay Global Diaspora

Learn from success stories like GISB Holdings, which has established Malay business and da’wah networks across continents. Expand and empower the Global Malay Diaspora as a force for unity and growth.In Conclusion

The Commonwealth of Nations holds immense potential, not just as a symbol of post-colonial cooperation, but as a real engine of shared prosperity.

Let’s go beyond words. Let’s build a better, fairer, and richer future for our people, together.

Malaysia Boleh. The Commonwealth Boleh

Let us all reflect on this vision, and move forward in unity.