Anwar Highlights Strong Malaysia-Laos Ties, Investment Confidence

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed Malaysia’s deep appreciation for Laos' commitment and cooperation in strengthening bilateral and regional ties, particularly in support of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his counterpart from Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, Anwar praised the Lao authorities for their continued collaboration, noting that the country has played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing coordination for ASEAN activities.

“Since they (Laos) hosted the ASEAN Retreat and the Heads of Government Meeting last year, Laos has been extremely helpful in assisting and collaborating with our team in Malaysia when we took the turn of hosting the ASEAN-related meetings from early this year,” he said.

Anwar also highlighted the growing economic confidence in Laos, citing the presence of four major Malaysian banks, namely Maybank, RHB, CIMB and Public Bank, currently operating in the country.

“So, with the four Malaysian banks there, it shows the confidence in the country’s (Laos) political system and also the stability and also attractive investment policies, and the manner the central banks manage the affairs of the financial institutions,” he said.

Anwar said this provides a strong foundation for greater Malaysian investment in Laos, as well as in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, under the broader ASEAN framework.

The official visit of the Lao premier, taking place ahead of the convening of the 46th ASEAN Summit, underscores the strong and enduring ties between Malaysia and Laos.

Anwar said both parties also agreed to implement the second phase of the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, which will include Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, alongside Malaysia and Singapore.

He said that while the initial phase links Vietnam to northern Peninsular Malaysia, discussions with Siphandone underscored the need to fast-track the next phase to benefit more countries in the region.

“But as the first phase, it is the Vietnam undersea cable to North Malaya. But I agree with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone that we should fast track the second phase to benefit Lao PDR, Cambodia and Thailand into Malaya and Singapore,” he added.

Anwar said both parties also discussed the Thanaleng Port in Laos, with plans to enhance connectivity through a new Memorandum of Cooperation with Penang Port to streamline the flow of goods between Penang, Perlis and the Lao port. 

Anwar said the two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation in capacity-building, particularly in port management training, with Malaysian ports, including Penang, Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) are ready to share expertise with Laos.

“We also addressed issues such as labour, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and alternative energy, including rare earth elements,” he said, adding that these efforts build upon existing cooperation, like the KTMB–LNRSE Memorandum of Collaboration on the ASEAN Express train.

The high-speed rail link, Anwar noted, would significantly reduce travel time between ASEAN countries and China, improving regional connectivity and economic integration.

The meeting also touched on broader ASEAN issues, including the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and engagement with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

“Both Laos and Malaysia view the ASEAN-GCC partnership as uniquely beneficial to both regions, which are economically vibrant,” Anwar said.

He also expressed hope that ASEAN leaders could reach a consensus on Timor-Leste’s accession into the regional grouping by October, possibly during the retreat session of the 46th ASEAN Summit.

On Myanmar, Anwar reiterated the importance of maintaining humanitarian assistance and called on all parties to respect the need for peace, an immediate ceasefire and constructive engagement through the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.

He also welcomed Siphandone’s agreement to return for a working visit soon to further enhance government and private sector engagement.

-- BERNAMA