Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was conferred the Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati (DK) by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei on August 22 at Istana Nurul Iman, receiving the title Dato Laila Utama [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The ceremony was witnessed by Brunei's Crown Prince and attended by Malaysian officials including Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and Investment Minister Johari Abdul Ghani [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Anwar arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan on August 21 for a two-day working visit to attend the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC-27) between Malaysia and Brunei [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7]. During the visit, Malaysia and Brunei signed a Memorandum of Understanding on disaster management cooperation in the presence of the Prime Minister and Sultan [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The consultation also included discussions between Anwar and the Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as well as Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on strengthening federal-state ties. Preparations were made for the upcoming Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah [6, 7]. Anwar assured that the federal government would continue to foster relations with Sarawak and Sabah based on mutual respect and trust [6, 7].
Anwar restated Malaysia's position on the One-China policy, emphasizing its consistency since Tun Abdul Razak Hussein’s administration and its acceptance by the United Nations [8, 9]. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he described Taiwan as part of China and said the issue should be left to the Chinese people [8, 10]. "In my view, that policy remains in place and we continue to uphold it. And, of course, we want to seek a peaceful solution," Anwar said [8].
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry criticized Anwar’s remarks as false and reaffirmed its sovereignty and independence [8]. The Taiwan Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Malaysia expressed concern that Anwar's comments could jeopardize Taiwan’s semiconductor and technology investments in Malaysia [11]. Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Taiwan grew by 34.7% year-on-year, reaching RM147.75 billion in the first half of 2026. Taiwan’s manufacturing investment in Malaysia reached RM3.711 billion over 45 projects in 2025 [11].
The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (Pas) leader Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan criticized Anwar’s Taiwan remarks, saying they narrowed Malaysia’s diplomatic space and urged peaceful dialogue instead [10]. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil rebutted, noting the Prime Minister’s statement was consistent with Wisma Putra policy and questioned Pas for focusing on foreign policy rather than domestic issues [9].
During the Malaysian Home Minister’s visit to Islamabad, Pakistan’s President and Prime Minister expressed a desire to strengthen trade, investment, and cultural ties with Malaysia [12].
Anwar closed the Brunei visit by thanking the Sultan and people for their hospitality and prayed for Brunei’s continued prosperity and harmony under the Sultan’s protection [5].
