BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The personal relationship between Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will ensure that joint initiatives undertaken by both countries would be prioritised and accelerated, the Malaysian prime minister said today.
Speaking to the press following his audience with the Brunei ruler today, Anwar remarked that personal relationships among leaders would always ensure “things would speed up”.
“As far as I have seen, personal relationships are important. His Majesty has always observed and followed developments (in Malaysia).
“I know that friendship is important and our relationship is good. On a personal note, during my time in difficulty, His Majesty had always expressed his concern,” he said.
Anwar and Sultan Hassanal also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA).
Signing on behalf of the Brunei government was Sofian Mohammad Jani, BIA’s acting managing director, while Mida was represented by its chief executive Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman.
The MoU provides an initial understanding for both parties to hold negotiations towards the implementation and preparation of further agreements on bilateral investments that can be carried out by certain parties between Malaysia and Brunei.
It also includes bilateral cooperation and investment in the downstream oil and gas sector, digital economy, smart manufacturing, smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, tourism, and the halal food industry.
When asked about the success of his official visit to the kingdom, Anwar said bilateral ties have always been on a high level, based on the culture, Malay-Muslim sultanate, and the joint commitment by both governments to ensure progress.
“It has been years since the BIA has considered investments in Malaysia, there is a policy that supports it and now it is clearly being translated through the MoU,” he said.
Commenting on his four-eyed meeting with Sultan Hassanal earlier, Anwar remarked that the Brunei ruler had expressed his wish for issues such as border matters between both countries to be resolved sooner.
“Additionally, His Majesty also emphasised for the BIA to accelerate its investment business to unveil opportunities and appropriate divestments.
“His Majesty also stressed on possibilities to conduct oil exploration involving Petronas if necessary via a joint development authority similar to Thailand and Vietnam.”
Malaysian leaders and officials also present in the prime minister’s delegation during the audience were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, and Malaysian high commissioner to Brunei Datuk Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah.
On the involvement of Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar said opportunities will abound when Indonesia’s capital moves to Kalimantan on Borneo island.
“There will be an important synergy especially in Sabah and Sarawak, with additional allocation, a boost for tourism, and connectivity between three countries (in Borneo).
“Along with the incentive by the Sarawak government to increase its road connectivity, His Majesty is looking forward to increased cooperation with Brunei.
“Sabah and Sarawak also brought up Bandar Seri Begawan as an international flight hub and hope to increase more flights to Brunei’s capital city, to which Brunei is willing to aid,” he added. – The Vibes, January 25, 2023
