Abang Johari greets Anwar upon the latter’s arrival at the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore. At left is Tengku Zafrul. – Photo from the Sarawak Premier’s Office

KUCHING (Jan 30): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was among members of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s entourage to meet Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the island republic today.

A press release from the Premier of Sarawak’s Office said Abang Johari flew to Singapore yesterday afternoon from Bintulu to join Anwar on his first official visit to the country after being appointed Malaysia’s 10th prime minister recently.

Soon after his arrival in the country, Anwar chaired a pre-council meeting with Malaysian officials at the Malaysian High Commission to deliberate on bilateral matters to be brought up during a courtesy call on Lee this morning.

Abang Johari was present at the meeting to brief Anwar on matters concerning economic cooperation between Sarawak and Singapore, particularly on renewable energy export and carbon trading.

He also joined Anwar to call on Singapore President Halimah Yacob.

Anwar chairs the pre-council meeting. Abang Johari is on the Prime Minister’s left. – Photo from the Sarawak Premier’s Office

Later, this afternoon Abang Johari will be among Malaysian leaders scheduled to meet the Malaysian diaspora in Singapore at a high tea hosted by Anwar at the Malaysian High Commission.

In a press release yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said Anwar is visiting the republic at Lee’s invitation.

Other members of Anwar’s delegation include Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Foreign Minister Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and Communications and Digital Minister Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil.

Abang Johari will fly back to Bintulu later this afternoon where he will be guest of honour at the Samalaju Industrial Port 10th anniversary dinner.