Anwar: Sultan Ibrahim's ties with Bahrain king paved way for F1 in Malaysia

 

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia (second right), King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain (right), Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (second left) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sharing a moment before the start of the FI Gulf Air Bahrain GP 2026 at the Sepang Internationa Circuit in Sepang. - Pic credit Facebook: anwaribrahimofficial.

KUALA LUMPUR: The close ties between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain paved the way for Malaysia to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Malaysia's selection as host reflected the international community's confidence in the country and further strengthened its standing as a respected and trusted partner on the global stage.

"I pay tribute to His Majesty the King for the leadership and wisdom, and for His Majesty's close relationship with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which paved the way for Malaysia to be selected as host of the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix," he said in a post on X today.

Anwar said he also hoped the cooperation would further reinforce the ties between Malaysia and Bahrain and create opportunities for broader cooperation that will benefit the people of both countries.

Anwar said he joined His Majesty and Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to watch the race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

"I also had the opportunity to meet and speak with royal guests who attended today's race, including the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, as well as other distinguished guests," he said.

The FI Gulf Air Bahrain GP 2026, held from Oct 2 to 4, marked F1's return to Sepang after a nine-year absence, with the circuit last hosting a race in 2017. - NST