Anwar vows stronger federal–Sabah–Sarawak cooperation ahead of MA63 meeting

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged that the Federal Government's close relationship with the states of Sarawak and Sabah will continue to grow based on mutual respect and trust. This assurance came during a meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, where he engaged with Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

These discussions occurred as part of the Malaysian delegation at the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Darussalam Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC-27). Anwar noted that the conversation also covered preparations for the forthcoming Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting, to be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, in the near future.

The Prime Minister shared these details on Facebook, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation among the Federal Government, Sarawak, and Sabah for the benefit of the people and promoting equitable development. During the ALC-27, Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to facilitate people movement between the countries, including addressing immigration concerns, and called for the technical committee at the Federal level, along with Sarawak and Sabah, to expedite relevant processes. Anwar made the two-day visit to Brunei for the ALC-27.