By DayakDaily Team
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug 22: Malaysia and Brunei aim to finalise the basic parameters for resolving outstanding border issues involving Sarawak by year-end, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim securing the Sultan of Brunei’s consent for both countries’ Foreign Ministers to meet on the matter.
Anwar said both sides initially expected to set the target for early next year, but agreed that the basic parameters could be resolved before the end of this year.
“Although at the initial stage, both sides felt that the target should be set for early next year, the Sultan and I felt that at least the basic parameters could be resolved before the end of the year,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after attending the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC-27) between Malaysia and Brunei here today, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
Anwar said the border issues involved areas and interests concerning Sarawak, making Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s involvement important in safeguarding Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s interests.
He also called for closer cross-border cooperation, particularly in immigration and customs, to facilitate the movement of people and economic activities between Sarawak and Brunei.
“Technical committees from both countries with Sarawak’s cooperation, have been tasked with expediting the process and reducing lengthy procedures at three to four locations before entering Sarawak or Brunei,” he said.
The effort is also aimed at supporting tourism and facilitating movement between Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Earlier, Abang Johari joined Anwar’s delegation at the ALC-27, where Malaysia and Brunei also discussed strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, the economy, agriculture and tourism.
During the visit, Anwar was conferred the Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati (DK) by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. — DayakDaily
