BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sabah and Sarawak can engage Brunei directly in several aspects, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Our approach has shifted towards seeking direct engagement in several aspects, even though the final decision rests with the federal government," Anwar told a press conference here yesterday at the end of a two-day visit to the kingdom.
Anwar said Sabah and Sarawak's ties with Brunei were "more practical" and that there was a need to strengthen cooperation in tourism and agriculture.
Brunei, Sabah, and Sarawak are also intensifying economic cooperation, with potential collaborations in energy, tourism, agriculture, and air connectivity.
During his visit, Anwar led a Malaysian delegation which included Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The delegation, which also included several federal ministers, attended the 25th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders Consultation at the Nurul Iman palace here.