PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began a one-day working visit to Singapore today as Malaysia and Singapore convene their 12th Leaders’ Retreat, an annual mechanism designed to review bilateral progress, address regional challenges and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Anwar’s aircraft touched down at the Changi Airport VIP Complex at 10.39am, where he was received by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, together with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, and Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi were also part of the official delegation.
The centrepiece of the visit is the Leaders’ Retreat session at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia, in Singapore scheduled for the early afternoon.
Anwar and his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, are expected to review bilateral achievements, discuss joint projects and witness the exchange of several agreements.
Two memoranda of understanding and one formal agreement on cooperation in drug prevention, health, and youth and sports are set to be signed. A Joint Leaders’ Statement will be issued at the close of the retreat.
Both leaders will also hold a four-eyed meeting to delve into regional geopolitical dynamics, ASEAN’s role, as well as emerging opportunities in areas such as the digital economy and green energy.
This year’s retreat carries additional significance as the two neighbours mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Singapore remains Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totalling US$78.70 billion (RM339.39 billion) from January to October 2025, representing 13.5 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade.
In a Facebook post ahead of the meeting, Anwar underscored the importance of the annual gathering, noting that it serves as a vital platform for strengthening cooperation across a broad spectrum of shared interests.
“As close neighbours and ASEAN friends, I am confident that the increasingly warm and robust diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Singapore will bring meaningful benefits to the peoples of both nations, insya-Allah,” he wrote.
PM Expresses Gratitude to His Majesty for Rescue Boats
On a separate matter, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim for the donation of high-powered boats to support rescue operations during flood emergencies.
He said the royal gesture underscores His Majesty’s deep concern for the safety and welfare of Malaysians, particularly those living in high-risk areas.
“Grateful to His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim for the gracious donation of boats to aid rescue operations during flood disasters. This contribution reflects His Majesty’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the people, especially in affected areas,” Anwar said in a social media statement today.
The Prime Minister noted that the support from the King strengthens the preparedness of the Government of Madani and facilitates swift deployment of agencies in the event of a second wave of flooding.
“With the efforts and cooperation of all parties, we hope that assistance to flood victims can be enhanced and the safety of the people preserved,” he added.
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page announced that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had granted permission for the federal government to deploy two of His Majesty’s high-powered air boats for flood relief operations.
“Both air boats are now stationed at Istana Negara and are expected to enhance operational efficiency and expedite emergency aid delivery,” the post read.
In March 2023, three of the King’s air boats were mobilised to assist flood victims in Johor, including transporting and delivering supplies to Orang Asli settlements in Kluang that had been cut off due to rising waters. - December 4, 2025
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