Good ties with Brunei will benefit us, say experts on Anwar's visit to oil rich state

SHAH ALAM - Good ties with old rich Brunei will benefit Malaysia in increasing economic relations between two Asean countries, said a professor.

Universiti Utara Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Ummu Atiyyah Ahmad Zakuan said it was crucial for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to visit Brunei as it will promote trade and investment as well as forge a closer relations between these two countries.

“This is a good move as this year and onwards, the global economy is expected to be unstable, and by strengthening the region any disadvantage can be reduced, minimised or even prevented.

“By having an active economic activity between Asean countries, a more stable economic bubble can be created in the region hence minimising the economic and financial threats and problems,” she told Sinar Daily.

Ummu also commented that since Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak border Kalimantan, Indonesia's new capital, this visit will lead to improved commercial ties between the three countries.

This relationship between countries will increase as the halal industry can be explored in higher education, tourism and medical, he said.

“Economic activities between Malaysia and Brunei should be intensified with the completion of the Pan Borneo highway soon, providing investment opportunities between these countries and being able to create more employment opportunities.

“Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the region as a whole should promote and cooperate closely and rise as a strong economic hub to make the region more resilient, benefiting each individual country and region as a whole,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Syaza Shukri, a political analyst at International Islamic University believes Anwar’s visit to Brunei signifies the close relationship between him and Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since his visit to Malaysia soon after Anwar’s appointment as the prime minister.

“The close relationship has more to do with shared culture and with the significant number of Malaysians living in Brunei.

“Warmer personal relationship between the two leaders are expected,” Syaza added.

Anwar is on a two-day official visit to Brunei and also met Malaysian diaspora on Jan 24. Anwar gave an insight on his plans for the country to 400 over participants.

This includes the Malaysia Madani concept which he introduced on Jan 19 as an effort to improve the dignity of the people and the country at the global stage.

Anwar said the focus is now on driving economic growth while looking at new economic sectors.