MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli to Sarawak, Malaysia, and Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 13 to 18 January 2013

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli has completed his working visit to Sarawak, Malaysia, which he began on 13 January 2013.

In Kuching, SMS Masagos called on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin bin Abang Barieng, and the Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nassar.  They welcomed the growing ties between Singapore and Sarawak, and reflected on the shared history and strong people-to-people linkages between Singapore and Sarawak.

SMS Masagos met Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Richard Riot Anak Jaem.  These two federal office-holders are from Sarawak.  SMS Masagos also had the opportunity to meet senior members of the Sarawak government, including Sarawak Minister of Industrial Development, Minister of Public Utilities and Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hassan; Assistant Minister of Housing and Assistant Minister of Youth Development Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Francis Harden Anak Hollis.  They discussed bilateral ties and encouraged deeper engagement among officials from Singapore and Sarawak.

This morning, SMS Masagos travelled from Kuching to Miri, where he had an opportunity to interact with prominent local dignitaries including business leaders.  Later today, SMS Masagos will depart for Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam by road for a working visit from 15 to 18 January 2013.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

15 JANUARY 2013