BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug 22 — The long-delayed Malaysia-Brunei border issue was among the topics discussed at the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC-27) between the two countries today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, so far, both sides have completed about 50 per cent of the border demarcation process.
"Representatives of both countries will hold meetings so that we can resolve this issue (land and maritime borders). In our efforts to demarcate the border, we will not compromise the territorial rights of either Brunei or Malaysia.
"We need to look after each other's interests so that these border demarcation efforts benefit both countries,” he said during a closing media conference in conjunction with his two-day working visit to Brunei today.
Anwar added that the ALC-27 between Malaysia and Brunei is the best platform to resolve outstanding issues and strengthen relations between the two countries.
The two nations have agreed in principle to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries.
"Immigration issues must also be improved as there are difficulties in entering each other’s countries due to outdated regulations.
"We have asked the technical committee involved in these negotiations at the federal level, in cooperation with Sarawak and Sabah, to expedite this process. We understand that the immigration process is lengthy, and involves passing through several immigration checkpoints before reaching the destination,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar and the Malaysian delegation arrived at Istana Nurul Iman at 11am to attend ALC-27, which was also attended by the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The Prime Minister and His Majesty also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on disaster management cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei.
The MOU strengthens cooperation in disaster management, including enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for any eventuality.
Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
