KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been awarded Brunei’s highest state honour for foreign leaders, the Most Honourable Order of the Royal Family of Laila Utama (DK), by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The investiture ceremony took place at Cheradi Laila Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman on Saturday, during Anwar’s two-day official visit to Brunei.
The conferment grants Anwar the title Dato Laila Utama, in recognition of the close and longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Brunei.
The honour was presented in conjunction with the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultations (ALC-27), a key platform for the two countries’ leaders to review bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international developments.
Among those attending the ceremony were Brunei Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Laila Utama order is among Brunei’s most prestigious state decorations and carries the title Dato Laila Utama. Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry has previously recorded that the same honour was conferred on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during his visit to Brunei.
Earlier, Anwar and the Malaysian delegation arrived at Istana Nurul Iman at about 11am, where they were welcomed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah before the start of the official engagements.
The two leaders were also scheduled to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on disaster management cooperation, aimed at enhancing coordination and assistance between Malaysia and Brunei in handling emergencies and natural disasters.
Anwar arrived in Brunei on Friday for a two-day working visit to participate in ALC-27, which serves as an important forum for both nations to address bilateral matters and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The consultations hold particular significance given the deep connections between Malaysia and Brunei, especially involving Sarawak and Sabah, which share borders with the sultanate and maintain strong economic and social ties.
Held annually, the leaders’ consultations provide both sides with an opportunity to discuss bilateral issues while exploring ways to further expand cooperation. The 26th ALC was held in August 2025. – August 22, 2026