PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been conferred the Most Esteemed Family Order of Laila Utama (D.K.) by Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during his official visit to the country.
The investiture was held at Cheradi Laila Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman on Saturday, with the award carrying the title Dato Laila Utama.
Anwar, in a Facebook post, thanked Sultan Hassanal for the honour, describing it as a meaningful recognition of the close ties between Malaysia and Brunei.
He said the conferment reflected the special relationship and longstanding bonds of friendship between the two countries.
The ceremony was held as part of Anwar’s participation in the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultations (ALC-27), where the leaders of both countries are expected to review bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international matters.
Among those present at the ceremony were Brunei Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Laila Utama order is among Brunei’s highest state decorations and carries the title Dato Laila Utama.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry records show that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was also conferred the same honour during his visit to Brunei.
Earlier, Anwar and the Malaysian delegation arrived at Istana Nurul Iman at about 11am and were received by Sultan Hassanal before the day’s official engagements.
The two leaders were also scheduled to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on disaster management cooperation, covering closer coordination and assistance between Malaysia and Brunei during emergencies and natural disasters.
Anwar arrived in Brunei on Friday for a two-day working visit centred on ALC-27, a platform for both countries to discuss bilateral matters and strengthen cooperation. – August 22, 2026
