MALAYSIA and Brunei have reaffirmed their joint commitment to bolstering cooperation in regional security and defence, with particular emphasis on ASEAN-led mechanisms.
The agreement was reached during the 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation held at the Seri Perdana Complex, attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.
In a joint statement, both leaders underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation through platforms such as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), and the ADMM-Plus.
“This cooperation is vital in addressing traditional and non-traditional security threats in the region,” the statement read.
Anwar and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed satisfaction with the ongoing close defence ties, citing regular reciprocal visits, joint military exercises and training programmes as key components of this enduring partnership.
“We welcome these continuous efforts which not only strengthen bilateral understanding, but also contribute to regional peace and stability,” they stated.
The two leaders praised the contributions of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (ABDB) in international peacekeeping efforts, particularly through their participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
“The participation of ATM and ABDB is a testament to the commitment of Malaysia and Brunei to maintaining global peace,” the statement added.
Acknowledging regional defence engagement, both leaders appreciated the participation of senior defence officials in major events such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA ’25), which took place from 20 to 24 May.
“Events such as LIMA ’25 offer opportunities for new collaboration and further strengthen regional defence networks,” they said.
They reaffirmed that Malaysia and Brunei would continue to implement various future defence-related programmes as a key pillar in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
In the area of disaster management, the leaders welcomed the outcomes of the 4th Bilateral Meeting between Brunei’s National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), held from 18 to 21 August in Bandar Seri Begawan.
They endorsed the proposal to establish a Disaster Management Working Group (DMWG) under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Disaster Management Cooperation, calling it “a significant step to strengthen and standardise bilateral cooperation”.
Brunei also conveyed appreciation for Malaysia’s support through the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), which conducted an evaluation mission in Bandar Seri Begawan from 9 to 13 June.
The outcomes of this mission were recognised as valuable input to assist Brunei in its efforts to obtain United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group External Classification (INSARAG-IEC) certification.
Both sides also acknowledged the establishment of a joint committee under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Syariah Judiciary. This includes collaboration on Syariah court judgment grounds, joint research, and the exchange of academic publications and reports related to Islamic jurisprudence and Syariah law.
The leaders further welcomed the existing cooperation between Malaysian and Bruneian educational institutions, including scholarship programmes, student and lecturer exchanges, and expanded collaboration in technical and vocational training.
In a move to enhance youth employability and skills development, Anwar and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah encouraged relevant Bruneian agencies to explore opportunities for placing Bruneian students in multinational companies (MNCs) operating in Malaysia. - August 27, 2025
