Budget 2026: A Positive Boost For Wisma Putra In Strengthening Foreign Policy

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Budget 2026 serves as a positive boost for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) to carry out its roles and responsibilities more effectively in defending Malaysia’s foreign policy and national interest.

It also provides strong support for enhancing Malaysia’s participation in various processes and initiatives championed by international and regional organisations, including ASEAN, the United Nations (UN), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the D-8 Group, and BRICS.

“This is in line with the MADANI aspirations and Malaysia’s policy and commitment towards proactive, inclusive, and principled diplomacy,” the ministry, better known as Wisma Putra, said in a statement on Friday.

Wisma Putra welcomed the presentation of the MADANI Government’s Budget 2026, themed “The Fourth MADANI Budget: The People’s Budget”, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.

In total, Wisma Putra has been allocated RM1,200,844,100 comprising RM982,698,600 for Operating Expenditure and RM218,145,500 for Development Expenditure.

According to the ministry, the year 2026 marks a shift in its focus following the completion of Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

“With the conclusion of this chairmanship period, the ministry will now focus on strengthening Malaysia’s diplomatic role at the regional and global levels, in line with the MADANI ECONOMY aspirations that emphasise the balance between prosperity, sustainability, and global well-being,” it said.

Wisma Putra also expressed appreciation for the RM31.5 million special allocation for maintenance and replacement of assets at Malaysian embassies abroad, which will help optimise the operational capacity of Malaysia’s diplomatic missions.

Additionally, the ministry noted that the increase in development expenditure will contribute towards the restoration and upgrading of government-owned buildings overseas.

“This will enhance Wisma Putra’s capacity to deliver more efficient and effective consular and diplomatic services.

“Wisma Putra remains committed to delivering excellent, responsive, and high-integrity foreign services, and to contributing meaningfully towards realising the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI,” the statement said.

--BERNAMA