Common goals: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (left) and Anwar at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. — Bernama
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Malaysia is taking a different approach in strengthening cooperation with Brunei, including seeking direct relations between the country and Sabah and Sarawak, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this was to ensure the cooperation would result in effective impact on both countries.
Anwar said in continuing the good relations between Malaysia and Brunei, the government acknowledged the role of previous leaders in maintaining this relationship.
However, he said the government was taking a different approach in continuing this cooperation.
“First, we are committed to strengthening relations in all possible fields.
“Secondly, in taking a different approach, we seek direct relations in several aspects, including direct relations between Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Although they are subject to the final decision of the Federal Government, we believe this is a practical approach because, at the border, there is a need to enhance transportation and tourism links, which can benefit both Brunei and Malaysia,” he told reporters yesterday, Bernama reported.
Earlier, the Prime Minister attended the 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Malaysia and Brunei and had a four-eyed meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman.
Elaborating on the cooperation, Anwar said Malaysia and Brunei agreed to enhance collaboration including in tourism, investment, technology and military sectors.
“I will be contacting the state governments of Sarawak and Sabah to ensure cooperation in these aspects, particularly tourism between the two states and Brunei, be enhanced,” he said.
In the field of education, the Prime Minister said there were discussions to implement various programmes, including exchange of professors, lecturers and students, as well as exploring research collaborations.
He said Akademi Kepimpinan Pendidikan Tinggi (AKEPT) in Malaysia had also agreed to assist Brunei in providing leadership training for higher education and in enhancing the excellence of higher education institutions in that country.
The Prime Minister added that Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Belia Negara (IKTBN) would also offer electric vehicle (EV) training programmes to youth from Brunei.
“Other training collaborations will be in new areas such as energy transition, digital technology and semiconductors through GLCs,” he said.
Anwar said military cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei would also be enhanced, including officer exchange programmes and joint training session.
He also expressed gratitude to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for the cooperation and support given to PETRONAS in oil and gas exploration and production.
“This is only possible when these two countries have a close friendship,” he said.
Among those present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
