Lee Hsien Loong Visits Pahang and Terengganu to Strengthen Ties

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited the Malaysian states of Pahang and Terengganu to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation between Singapore and the two regions.

During a media wrap-up on May 7, 2026, Lee stated that the visit was intended to bolster relations at both the national and state levels. He emphasized the importance of maintaining contact and understanding with these large Malaysian states to develop economic and tourism opportunities.

Lee noted that while strong relations exist at the national level between the prime ministers and their respective ministries, these connections should be complemented by cooperation at the state level.

He observed that Singapore maintains frequent interactions with some states, such as Johor, but has had less engagement with Pahang, Terengganu and other states on the east coast.

“At the national level, we have got good relations between the two prime ministers, our ministries all work with their counterparts, but that also needs to be complemented by cooperation at the state level,” Lee said.

CNA

Lee further explained the difference in engagement levels between the different regions of Malaysia.

“With some states like Johor, we have a lot of toing and froing, with Pahang and Terengganu and … the other states on the east coast, not so much,” Lee said.

CNA

The Senior Minister indicated that there is potential for increased exchanges and cooperation in these states to enhance mutual understanding and open new economic avenues.

Diplomatic Engagement in Pahang

On May 5, 2026, Senior Minister Lee and his wife, Mrs. Lee, had an audience with the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at Istana Abdulaziz in Kuantan.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the meeting served to reaffirm the warm and longstanding ties between the two parties. The leaders noted the positive state of bilateral relations and agreed to explore cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including the strengthening of business linkages.

The Sultan of Pahang, who hosted the visit, previously served as the king of Malaysia from 2019 to 2024.

The audience also included the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and several members of the Pahang royal family.

• Crown Prince of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah
• Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah
• Tengku Panglima Raja Brigadier General Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah

Also in attendance was Dato’ Mohamad Nizar Najib, the Pahang State Executive Councillor for investments, industry, science, technology and innovation.