BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg arrived in Brunei on Friday evening to join the Malaysian delegation for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC-27) between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.
The annual bilateral meeting is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Istana Nurul Iman, with Malaysia’s delegation led by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan on Friday evening.
Brunei is hosting this year’s ALC-27, which serves as a platform for the two countries to discuss bilateral matters and areas of cooperation.
Abang Johari was received upon arrival by Her Royal Highness Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, Deputy Minister of Finance of Brunei, and Her Royal Highness Aizul Suyoi, Acting Director of the Protocol Division at Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
His participation places Sarawak’s Premier among senior Malaysian representatives attending the high-level consultation. The meeting brings together federal and state leaders as part of Malaysia’s delegation for discussions with the Bruneian side.
Other members of the Malaysian delegation include Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor and Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan.
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is also taking part, alongside Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tuan Chiew Choon Man.
Sarawak is further represented by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also part of the Malaysian delegation attending the consultation.
The participation of Sarawak and Sabah leaders in the delegation comes as the two neighbouring countries continue their regular engagement on bilateral issues. The annual consultation provides an established forum for senior officials and leaders to exchange views and consider areas of mutual interest.
The meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan is expected to focus on matters concerning the relationship between Malaysia and Brunei, with both sides using the consultation to review existing cooperation and discuss issues of shared importance.
For Sarawak, Abang Johari’s attendance also places the state within the wider Malaysian delegation at a meeting involving senior leadership from both countries. His presence reflects Sarawak’s participation in the federal delegation for the annual consultation.
The 27th edition of the leaders’ consultation will be held at Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei. Discussions at the meeting will provide an opportunity for Malaysia and Brunei to continue their high-level dialogue.
With the Malaysian delegation now in Bandar Seri Begawan, attention turns to Saturday’s formal consultation and the discussions between the two sides on bilateral relations and cooperation.
