Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was conferred the Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati (D.K.) title by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on 22 August 2026 at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. The ceremony was witnessed by the Crown Prince, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Anwar arrived in Brunei on 21 August for a two-day working visit to attend the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders Consultation (ALC-27), accompanied by key ministers including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
During the visit, Malaysia and Brunei signed a Memorandum of Understanding on disaster management cooperation to strengthen joint responses to emergencies [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Both countries also agreed in principle to facilitate people movement and address immigration matters between them [6, 7].
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s long-standing One China policy, consistent since the time of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. He stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that Taiwan is part of China, and the Taiwan issue should be resolved peacefully by the Chinese people themselves, citing historical factors [8, 9, 10]. On the policy, he said, "In my view, that policy remains in place and we continue to uphold it. And, of course, we want to seek a peaceful solution." [8]
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry criticized Anwar’s remarks as false, emphasizing Taiwan as a sovereign country. They warned the comments could damage regional peace and investor confidence. The Taiwan Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Malaysia voiced concern the statements might affect technology and semiconductor investments, noting Taiwan-Malaysia bilateral trade reached RM147.75 billion in the first half of 2026 and Taiwan’s manufacturing investment was RM3.711 billion in 2025 across 45 projects [9].
PAS leader Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan called on Anwar to promote dialogue and restraint instead of remarks suggesting force. Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil defended Anwar, stating the Prime Minister’s position aligns with Wisma Putra’s foreign policy and rejected claims that Malaysia’s diplomatic space was restricted [10, 11].
At ALC-27, Anwar pledged strengthened cooperation and mutual respect between Malaysia’s Federal Government and the Sarawak and Sabah state governments. Discussions included preparations for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting [6, 7].
Anwar concluded his remarks during the investiture by praying for continued prosperity and peace in Brunei under the Sultan’s protection [5]. The Malaysia-Brunei leaders are expected to follow up on the signed disaster management MoU and agreed immigration facilitation initiatives in upcoming meetings.
