WORKING VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND TRADE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA TO MALAYSIA

20 – 21 APRIL 2026

 

Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi will undertake a working visit to Malaysia from 20 to 21 April 2026. This marks her first visit to Malaysia since assuming office in March 2025. She will be accompanied by seven (7) delegation members.

Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is scheduled to hold a discussion with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, who will be hosting a luncheon in her honour. The two Ministers are expected to take stock of progress on bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as energy cooperation, trade and the economy, education, health, and capacity building. They will also exchange views on international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Middle East.

During the working visit, Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is also scheduled to meet other Ministers and representatives of relevant agencies.

Malaysia and the Republic of Namibia established diplomatic relations in 1990 and have since maintained warm and cordial relations through cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral platforms. The working visit by Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is expected to further strengthen the longstanding and growing partnership between Malaysia and the Republic of Namibia.

In 2025, Malaysia’s total trade with the Republic of Namibia reached RM394 million (USD92.4 million), with Malaysia’s exports to Namibia valued at RM30.6 million (USD7.2 million) and imports at RM363.4 million (USD85.3 million).

 

PUTRAJAYA

20 April 2026 

VERBATIM TEXT REMARKS BY

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

AT A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH THE HONOURABLE ANTHONY ALBANESE

PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA 

KUALA LUMPUR

16 APRIL 2026

 

Selamat tengahari Perdana Menteri Anthony Albanese.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

We are really encountering post-normal times, we did discuss it, developments on unanticipated, and continue to haunt us because we’re not able to fairly and squarely craft an agenda forward, because many of these issues are quite unresolved you know, disruptions both in terms of production and supply chains.

So, the world certainly looks different today, Prime Minister than it did when you were here in Kuala Lumpur last October. The Strait of Hormuz have been effectively closed for nearly seven weeks. Global energy markets are under severe stress, supply chains are disrupted, and the consequences are plummeting and pummeling through the seven seas.

This is of course the backdrop of our meeting today. I’m of course extremely grateful that the exchange has been very frank, cordial, as great friends, not only in terms of bilateral relationship, but based on trust. And that was what I said and I want to repeat this publicly, Malaysia will always be a reliable partner to Australia, we will be mates II don’t know why you use that term), through thick and thin as we have always been. Our discussions today cover trade, investments and agriculture, but given the state of the world today, I want to start with energy.

Malaysia and Australia share strong interdependence in energy resources, including fuel and LNG. We have existing agreements and today we reaffirmed our commitment to them. We also signed a joint statement on energy security, reflecting our commitment to stable and resilient energy supplies.

We also witnessed the signing of the MOU between Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development, or JAKIM, and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This will enhance market access for both countries.

We also agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, including sharing expertise in production and irrigation to ensure sustainable food supply for both Malaysians and Australians.

Let no one mistake the weight of what we signed today when supply chains are disrupted and food prices are increasing and rising. Agreements like these have a direct impact on people’s lives. The distance between a signed agreement and a family’s dinner table is shorter than most people imagine.

I also wish to touch on Palestine. There is a ceasefire in Gaza, but let us be honest about what that has meant so far. The killings have not stopped; the hunger has not ceased in the West Bank Settlements continue to expand and violence continues to escalate with utter impunity. The world must not avert its gaze and allow a ceasefire to become the silence of the grave. What the Palestinian people need is a just and lasting solution, and that means a viable sovereign state.

Malaysia will not waver on this matter of principle and conscience. I appreciate Australia’s stance on Gaza, calling for an end to hostilities, supporting humanitarian assistance, and working towards a lasting resolution. That position matters, and Malaysia welcomes that.

Prime Minister Albanese, thank you again for making this journey to Kuala Lumpur. These conversations matter, and I’m glad we are having them. I look forward to continuing the work when we meet in Australia next year, or, I’m sure, before that. But the Australian meeting will be the Fourth Annual Leaders Meeting. Until then, let us make good on what we have promised today. Thank you.

 

Q&A SESSION

MEDIA MALAYSIA:

Assalamualaikum. Good afternoon Mr. President., Dato’ Seri. With nearly 40% of Malaysia’s crude oil imports exposed to potential disruption via the Straits of Hormuz, what immediate and concrete steps will Malaysia and Australia take following this visit to safeguard stable energy flows? And are there any contingency plans discussed?

PM MALAYSIA:

We did discuss. Of course, Australia is also a producer of some products, and we do. So, this exchange is useful. These are of course trying difficult times, but as friends and bilaterally in excellent sort of relations, we give priority. So, we look at the details. I mean, we also met Petronas chiefs, and they will continue to have detailed discussions. And I think, what we need to do is of course to see first our domestic requirements and also Australia’s domestic energy requirements and see where we can assist each other in a quid pro quo basis. There are issues, areas which we need from Australia and also items that they need from us. So, I think it will be certainly beneficial to both countries.

PM AUSTRALIA:

The relationship is one which is a benefit to both countries. We’re a major exporter of LNG to here in Malaysia and of course we receive a range of products, both fuel and fertilizers from here in Malaysia.

One of the discussions that we had was as well around the prospect of further enhancement of those relationships. And we’ve tasked with Petronas and with my department here. Further work to be done about how we can deal with what are very challenging times for both of our nations as there is right around the globe. But Australia is very confident that we of course will fulfill the contracts that we have here with Malaysia because we regard that security as being so important for our relationships in the region.

MEDIA AUSTRALIA:

Hi, Prime Ministers. Zach Da Silva from the Australian Associated Press.

Prime Minister Albanese, we’ve seen pictures today of a massive refinery fire in Geelong. There are fears this could lead to more pronounced fuel shortages in some parts of Australia. In your travels through Singapore, Brunei and now Malaysia, can you point to any additional shipments of fuel you’ve secured to help deal with some of those shortages? And will you pour more money into shoring up Australia’s fuel reserves in the next in next month’s budget?

And Prime Minister Ibrahim, if I can. Your petroleum industries source a lot of their crude oil from the Middle East. If that’s further restricted in the coming months, what guarantees can you give to countries like Australia that rely on Malaysian refined fuels that those shipments won’t dry out?

PM AUSTRALIA:

Firstly, on the fire at the VIVA refinery in Geelong. They are very distressing scenes. On a positive note, it is good that there was no workers harmed and no human impact of this fire which has occurred overnight. I can report that the fire I’m advised has been now putting out, and I certainly thank Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority for the work that they have done.

As for the damage, obviously there will need to be an assessment of that and the consequences for fuel supply. Clearly, there will be consequences for it, but there’ll be a proper assessment taking place over the coming short period as well. We think that we’ll continue to work with the company to do what we can to make sure that anything that is offline is brought online as soon as possible.

With regard to fuel as well, I can announce that my government has secured an additional 100 million litres of diesel from two shipments, one from Brunei, where I was yesterday, and one from South Korea. This is the first of many expected shipments secured under the government’s new strategic reserve powers with the support of Export Finance Australia. That is very important. The purchase of more than 570,000 barrels of additional diesel has been done by Veva, made possible because of the decision that my government made early in this global crisis to empower Export Finance Australia to do that. Additional fuel can be directed to where it is needed most, including to our farmers. And one of the discussions we had today was very much about diesel. That’s so important at a time where many farmers are looking at planting and they will only do that with the confidence that they’ll be able to harvest as well.

So, this is welcome news. It’s a practical outcome of the engagement and the interventions that my government has had to deal with the consequences of a crisis response right across the other side of the world, but one that is impacting here in our region and in Australia in particular.

PM MALAYSIA:

Malaysia requires minerals, particularly phosphates, rock phosphates from Australia. And we have the capacity in exchange. For example, I’m not using the term exchange, but then in terms of this commercial deal to export urea to Australia. Just set an example where friends can engage effectively and see what we can offer and what they can offer in place.

And similarly, in terms of, I did express our concern on the issue of diesel because our supply is inadequate in the medium term. But in terms of fuel, we had obtainment assurance from Petronas that once the most domestic requirements are met, there is clearly some excess. And we given an assurance that the priority will be to Australia, because this can be really, I mean, in exchange among the political parties here, a very contentious issue to suggest that we are giving priority to other countries. Not necessarily so.

The priority, of course, domestic requirements, economic resilience, in the country. But here is where such negotiations, meetings between among friends is very critical. And you have seen that there are certain items and minerals that we require. I mean, we import gas, LNG from Australia. And they have assured of us of this supply and to honour the commitments and the agreement. So, we have to also then to ensure that their requirements beyond what we can make available will be equally honored. That’s what friendship is all about.

And I think we have achieved that sort of understanding. And I’m glad to say that Prime Minister Albanese will have with his team a detailed discussions with Petronas. Thank you.

MEDIA MALAYSIA:

Good afternoon, Prime Minister, Hasmi from Astro Awani.

In view of the conflict in the Middle East, Pope Leo has called for peace in the world. What is Malaysia and Australia respond to Pope Leo’s comment? Thank you.

PM MALAYSIA:

Well, Albanese is a Catholic, I’m a Muslim, but we share something in common. We have very high regard and respect for Pope Leo of the Vatican, he expressed the voice of conscience. We followed his statements, and we share his expression, his desire for peace, for justice, that atrocities must end.

And I think any reasonable, sane person, and I as a Muslim and Malaysian generally, certainly support the position taken by the Pope, and I think we would certainly suggest that people say in people across the world, should support the call for peace against any form of injustice, atrocities, whether he made reference specifically to Gaza or the position in the Middle East or for that matter after the aftermath of the Israeli-American attack on Tehran and Iran. But that notwithstanding that, what I think is clearly supported and endorsed by us is his call for peace, for justice, and for order.

I can’t see any way one can question, dispute or consider that as an unreasonable or unfriendly statement, but this is a call that must be supported by all. I’m glad to say too, that the present Pope has done whatever is necessary to engage with leaders of other religions.

I also understand that he has been one of the most active in terms of engaging with Muslim scholars at Al-Azhar. I have been really informed that people are extremely happy with this new attitude towards friendship and engagement.

PM AUSTRALIA:

I was honoured to have an audience with the Holy Father, Pope Leo, after his Inaugural Mass just a year ago. I found him a very thoughtful, dignified, and extraordinary person who will provide leadership not just to the Catholic Church, but will be a very significant figure in global affairs, as was his predecessor, Pope Francis.

I think that the three great monotheistic faiths have so much in common that it is indeed a tragedy when we see war and conflict over having an impact on innocent people. It’s not surprising that the Holy Father would speak in favour of peace and justice. And I think overwhelmingly that is what citizens of countries and in Australia we have. We celebrate and respect people of all faiths and of none. I think overwhelmingly people want to see peace and we are seeing the consequences of conflict, a conflict on the other side of the world.

I think that most people, with respect, I’ll speak about my citizens. Most people, if you ask them to find the Strait of Hormuz on a map last December, I would be surprised if there was a large number could point to it directly. Everyone knows it now. There are consequences of conflict for a loss of innocent life. But there are also consequences for everybody in the world at the moment due to what is extraordinary negative economic consequences of the conflict, which is why we will continue to argue for a de-escalation and for a resolution through dialogue rather than through military action.

MEDIA AUSTRALIA:

Prime Ministers, Andrew Greene from the West Australian and The Nightly.

What is the policy of both of your nations when it comes to buying oil from countries which are subject to international sanctions, such as Russia and Iran? And would you be prepared either country to pay a toll or levy to the regime in Iran? And with increasing expectations that Australia could soon impose a gas tax in next month’s budget? Is this speculation hurting chances of securing energy supplies?

PM AUSTRALIA:

Well, the only speculation is from journalists who believe they know what’s in a budget that hasn’t been written yet. So, our budget will be in May, and we will hand it down. But we one of the things about Australia is when we do a deal with a country and whether it’s in writing or a shake of hands or a conversation, we stick. That is what makes one of the things that makes Australia who we are. And, so I think that is well understood by our trading partners, which is why we are respected and why we are so trusted going forward.

With regard to freedom of navigation our position is very clear about UNCLOS and has been for some time it applies right around the world, and I think there was a third bit, Andrew. Well, on the freedom of navigation is what is provided for. We expect freedom of navigation is the basis of international trade and that is very important, that principle and it’s one that we hold to.

PM MALAYSIA:

We as a country have been engaging with more countries as I mention with Prime Minister Albanese that the largest trade investments is still from United States notwithstanding, we have good bilateral relations with Russia. We trade with them. And now I think there is absolute necessity we’ll have to manage because my priority, the mandate that I have, is to protect the interests of the people in this country.

Similarly with Iran, we have maintained good bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and due to that sort of arrangement many of my colleagues in the Gulf and in the Arab world have sought our views and our assistance to convey their concerns and their views to the Iranian leadership.

And I think we use that to promote peace and resolution, amicable resolution to the conflict. And on the position, whether the Strait of Malacca or Strait of Hormuz we remain consistent in their freedom of navigation, but there are, of course, issues that must be resolved. You cannot ignore the fact that when a country has been attacked and no assurance of guarantee of security, there are concerns that you must also address. And that’s why I think, whilst supporting the position of freedom of navigation. We also want category guarantee from countries, big powers included, and so to end that animosity and attack and even sanctions against other countries.

So, we look at it a more comprehensive manner, but ultimately we are for peace and the Strait Hormuz must finally be open to avail to the international community so that we will help resolve major issue confronting, not only the region, but also the world.

Thank you.

 

 

ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS’ STATEMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

13 APRIL 2026 

 

1. We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), welcome the two-week ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, announced on 8 April 2026.

2. We reaffirm the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, and upholding freedom of navigation in and overflight above straits used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In this regard, we call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz in line with the1982 UNCLOS, as well as for all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

3. We urge the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region. We commend the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and all parties involved for the collaborative efforts in this regard.

4. We call for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, aimed at preventing further suffering and loss of lives, ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation and overflight, especially for merchant, non-combatant vessels and aircraft in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS, minimising disruption to the flow of energy and essential goods, and mitigating its adverse impact on global economic stability.

5. We urge all parties involved to maintain conducive conditions for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, including by adhering strictly to its terms, exercising utmost restraint, ceasing all hostilities, acting responsibly, avoiding any acts that may aggravate the situation and working collectively towards a comprehensive and enduring resolution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and relevant UNSC resolutions. 

6. We underscore the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity, upholding international law, and promoting earnest dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of addressing conflicts and tensions, including the need for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East.

7. We further reaffirm the obligations of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means, to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflicts, and to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel, in line with international law, the UN Charter and relevant UNSC resolutions.

* * * * *

 

 

TEKS UCAPAN VERBATIM

 

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM

PERDANA MENTERI

 

SEMPENA

 

MAJLIS BERBUKA PUASA BERSAMA DUTA-DUTA, PERWAKILAN ASING DAN WARGA KEMENTERIAN LUAR NEGERI

 

23 FEBRUARI 2026 (ISNIN) | 6.30 PETANG

DEWAN TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA BANGUNAN WP1 WISMA PUTRA

 

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam Sejahtera.

 

Alhamdulillahillazi anzala ala abdihil kitaba

Walam yaj’allahu wa iwaja

Wa salli wa sallimu ala rasulihil karim

Wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma’in.

 

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia;

 

Yang Mulia Datin Seri Dato’ Hajah Raja Salbiah binti Tengku Nujumuddin;

 

Dato Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni,

Timbalan Menteri Luar Negeri;

 

YBhg. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar,

Ketua Setiausaha Negara;

 

Tuan-tuan terutama, para duta,

 

Dato' Sri Amran Mohamed Zin,

Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Luar Negeri;

 

dan Rakan-rakan yang saya muliakan.

 

1. Tentunya, saya mulai dengan mengatur syukur kepada Allah SWT kerana kita dapat menghayati Ramadan Kareem dan Madrasah Ramadan ini tentunya kesempatan bagi kita untuk memperbaiki melalui latihan, kerohanian dan jasmani kita. Lebih insaf tentang permasalahan masyarakat yang terpinggir dan di samping itu mengukuh disiplin hidup kita.

2. Jadi saya ucap terima kasih sekali lagi kepada Dato’ Mohamad Hasan, keluarga dan rakan-rakan di Wisma, kerana beri kesempatan untuk saya bersama-sama pada petang ini.

3. Dan terutamanya kepada Duta-duta, ini kesetimewaan saya sebut tahun lalu di Wisma Putra ini, saya undang pun tak akan seramai ini Duta, jadi Duta ini sebenarnya dia memang kiblat dia kepada Wisma Putra. Tapi ada baiknya dan saya sambut baik kerana ia menunjukkan jalinan hubungan kerjasama dan juga prestasi Menteri Luar kita yang amat membanggakan kita semua.

4. Saya singgung hal ini kerana sesungguhnya prestasi kita sepanjang tahun lalu dalam hubungan antarabangsa menembusi kawasan ASEAN yang menjadi keutamaan kita dan jiran-jiran rapat kita, Singapura, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia dan seluruh rantau ASEAN ini. Kemudian menerobos ke Asia, Eropah, dan baru-baru ini ke Amerika Latin, termasuk Peru sebelumnya dan Brazil dan Selatan Afrika juga Ethiopia dan Kenya.

5. Ini menunjukkan bahawa kapasiti dan keupayaan pengaruh yang dibawa oleh Dato’ Mohamad Hasan dan keluarga Wisma ini, bukan saja sekadar mengadakan kunjungan, tetapi kunjungan yang memberikan kesan yang memberi manfaat akhirnya. Erti persahabatan, erti persaudaraan, berkerjasama antara negara dan yang penting juga adalah memberi ruang dan kesempatan mengangkat martabat Malaysia sebagai negara dagang dan negara yang bersahabat dengan semua.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

6. Thank you very much for your presence this evening. Th,is is of c,ourse a very interesting, unique tradition in Malaysia where we invite colleagues toniurse primafocusingfocus on the Foreign Ministry and fellow ambassadors, high commissioners, but also friends who are Muslims and non-Muslims. In all our functions, we make sure that there is that feeling of inclusiveness, of comradeship. Oh, I use the word comrade, don't be too hypersensitive about it, but in essence is the true sense of togetherness and respect.

7. This is one of the key elements in the MADANI framework is the issue of respect. Societies can excel economically and can, of course achieve phenomenal growth, economic and digital transformation, etc., but the survival of any country, particularly a multi-racial, multi-religious country like Malaysia, would depend on our ability and capacity to embrace one another as one great family.

8. I am proud as a Malaysian, crisscrossing the country and even before Ramadan during the Chinese New Year, and before that is the Pongal of the Hindu tradition, and now Ramadan Kareem, you can see this set among the vast majority of our people, this tolerance and respect are unique.

9. Can you imagine, for example, in Malaysia, the Chinese decided to organise a function to celebrate Chinese New Year a few days before Chinese New Year just to accommodate the feelings of their brother, Muslims, and sisters to be able to rejoice together in a function where everybody can have a great feast. And I told my Chinese colleagues, particularly the chamber who had this organised massive function, I said I don't mind even if you have it during Ramadan, if it's daytime I will not eat, at night I will eat.

10. But the sense of respect and tolerance is there, but you see, they took this extra mile, extra effort just to show that they are Malaysians and they care for the feelings of others, similarly to what we have tonight.

11. I'm sure that Dato’ Haji Mohamad Hasan knows precisely that many of you don't fast, I mean the non-Muslims, but they pretend to be hungry, and they join us in the iftar, and we take it as you know, part of this tradition that embraces, accommodates, and respects.

12. And similarly, during the Christmas end of last year we have the Chinese New Year, as I said and the Thaipusam, because Thaipusam is purely a religious ritual. I took great pains to attend the Thaipusam prior to this religious ceremony just to show that as Malaysians, we must be able to accommodate and respect whilst preserving our faith, moral values.

13. So, this is an occasion to rejoice because you see that sense of, as I said, the spirit of unity is across the board. But unfortunately, we only hear and pick the noise among some political leaders who choose only to create issues or mischief or only problems. But across the country, you can walk in the city any time, and you realize that whether you are Chinese or Malay or Indian or Iban or Kadazan, there is that much of tolerance and respect. And I think we have to take all the effort possible to preserve this.

14. But coming back to the Foreign Ministry, I must again reiterate my profound respect and appreciation. Although I sometimes give short lectures here and there. But they have done, particularly last year during the ASEAN Year, before the Philippines, my dear brother Marcos will then assume, and now they have taken the chairmanship. But prior to the whole of last year, you can see this sense of dedication.

15. Amran, Dato' Sri Amran, yes. He and his team, under the guidance of the Foreign Minister, are doing a superb job and give us so much satisfaction and so many of our colleagues. I'm sure many of you ambassadors and high commissioners would agree with me. It was a splendid job done by the team, and the core of the team is, of course, Wisma Putra. Thank you very much again.

16. I think that's the only message that I have for you tonight. Relax. Nothing very strong, serious. I come to thank you. I think Dato’ Mohamad Hasan expects me to say that too. I'm joking.

17. So, thank you again for joining us on this occasion, and may Allah give us the strength to continue the resolve to work harder, and to preserve dignity but sanity, not only here, but internationally. My main concern about international politics, which I don't want to actually touch upon now, is there is a need to bring back sanity among political leaders.

18. May Allah give us that light. Not too much in this region, but some other regions. But, thank you again.

Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullah.

 

 

 

TEKS UCAPAN

 

YB DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN

MENTERI LUAR NEGERI

 

MAJLIS BERBUKA PUASA MADANI TAHUN 2026

KEMENTERIAN LUAR NEGERI BERSAMA YAB PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI KABINET

 

DEWAN TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA, BANGUNAN WP1

23 FEBRUARI 2026, ISNIN

 

SALUTASI

 

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim

Perdana Menteri dan isteri, Yang Amat Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail,

 

Yang Berhormat Puan Fadhlina Binti Sidek

Menteri Pendidikan

 

Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini binti Ahmad

Menteri Perladangan Dan Komoditi

 

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar

Ketua Setiausaha Negara

 

(Final attendance of Cabinet Ministers to be updated) 

 

Yang Berhormat Dato Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni,

Timbalan Menteri Luar Negeri,

 

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamad Zin,

Ketua Setiausaha, Kementerian Luar Negeri, dan isteri, Yang Berbahagia Datin Sri Razana binti Mat

 

Ketua-Ketua Jabatan,

 

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

 

Tetamu-Tetamu Jemputan,

 

Rakan-Rakan Media, dan para hadirin yang saya kasihi sekalian,

 

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

 

1. Alhamdulillah, dengan izin dan limpah kurnia Allah S.W.T., kita dapat bersama-sama pada Majlis Berbuka Puasa MADANI, Tahun 2026, anjuran Kementerian Luar Negeri.

2. Ramadan sentiasa memberi kita ruang untuk memperlahankan langkah. Dalam kesibukan tugas dan tanggungjawab, bulan ini mengingatkan kita tentang niat, amanah, dan sebab sebenar kita berkhidmat.  

3. Bagi warga Kementerian Luar Negeri, amanah itu unik sifatnya. Kita bekerja merentasi sempadan, zon masa, dan budaya.

4. Ada yang bertugas jauh dari keluarga, dan ada yang menguruskan isu, yang walaupun tidak menjadi tajuk utama dalam akhbar, sebenarnya amat berat kepentingannya kepada negara.

5. Berat kepentingannya, kerana diplomasi adalah tentang memelihara kepercayaan dunia terhadap negara Malaysia, dan membina persefahaman, antara warga Malaysia dan warga negara-negara lain.

6. Malam ini mencerminkan semangat itu.

Oleh itu, Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri dan hadirin sekalian,

7. Bagi menghormati sahabat-sahabat kita daripada kor diplomatik, izinkan saya meneruskan ucapan dalam Bahasa Inggeris.

Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

8. Welcome to Wisma Putra, and thank you for joining us this evening.

9. Ramadan, for many of us, is a time of reflection. But it is also a time of togetherness, and a celebration of fellowship between people, from all walks of life.

10. Diplomacy, in many ways, is not so different, with the many efforts that we pour into building bridges between our peoples.

11. So let tonight ground us, in the knowledge that even in a complex and uncertain world, we can dine together, and choose dialogue over distance, and engagement over isolation.

Institutional Responsibility and Delivery

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

12. The conduct of foreign policy requires steadiness. It often takes place away from the public eye.

13. The global environment today is demanding. Developments move quickly. Issues are interconnected. The margin for misunderstanding is small. In such an environment, steadiness is the number one priority. 

14. For Malaysia, as an open and trade-dependent nation, diplomacy must be structured and well-coordinated. It must be supported by capable institutions and clear processes.

15. These are the pillars of ensuring stability, so that businesses can trade, students can travel, families can feel secure, and nations can plan for the future with confidence.

Strategic Plan 2026–2030

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

16. This thinking guided us as we developed the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, 2026–2030.

17. In times such as these, we must be ready to adapt to any change, at any moment. We cannot simply “stay the course”, as “the course” no longer exists.

18. As intensifying rivalries, and a fragmenting global order, increasingly shrink our space to navigate uncertainty, Malaysia must remain forward-thinking.

19. Having said that, our foreign policy is upheld by several core values.

20. These have always guided us as we navigated the different phases of global history, since the birth of our nation. They will continue to inform our outlook.

21. The Ministry’s new Strategic Plan reflects our ongoing commitment to improve. It is anchored in the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan, the MADANI Economy framework and the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA).

22. Diplomacy must open doors, for trade, investment, partnerships in innovation. technology, education, and

23. The Strategic Plan 2026-2030 therefore translates our national policies and priorities, into a clear programme of work for the Ministry.

24. The Plan reinforces our commitment to advancing Malaysia’s economic priorities, deepening bilateral partnerships, and sustaining multilateral engagement.

Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

25. It is impossible to speak about Malaysia’s foreign policy without mentioning ASEAN. 

26. As a founding member of ASEAN, Malaysia has always believed that our region’s strength lies in working together.

27. We are, furthermore, convinced that this region has a role to play, in establishing a global order that is peaceful and inclusive.

28. During our Chairmanship in 2025, the adoption of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future marked an important milestone.

29. But as we all know, documents do not implement themselves. Progress requires alignment, sustained political will, and follow-through across all three Community pillars.

30. Maintaining ASEAN Centrality required careful balance — engaging all partners, while remaining anchored in regional consensus.

31. The experience reinforced a simple lesson: cooperation endures, when engagement is steady and institutions remain disciplined.

32. These are lessons we carry forward, not only in ASEAN, but also in our Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

Closing and Invitation to YAB PM to Launch the Strategic Plan

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

33. Malaysia remains committed to constructive engagement, and mutually cooperation with all partners. respectful

34. We value the friendships we built, and will continue to nurture them with mutual respect and sincerity.

35. Kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri, bagi pihak seluruh warga Kementerian Luar Negeri, saya merakamkan penghargaan, atas kepimpinan dan kepercayaan yang diberikan kepada kami untuk melaksanakan amanah ini.

36. With that, it is my honour to invite Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri to deliver his address, and to officiate the launch, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

Sekian,

Wabillahi Taufik Wal Hidayah,

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

dan Selamat Berbuka Puasa.