ISKANDAR PUTERI – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to draw lessons from global turmoil, urging the nation to cherish the peace, stability, and unity it enjoys.
“We are truly grateful, Alhamdulillah. When compared to many other countries, Malaysia is much more peaceful. Riots are happening everywhere,” he said in his closing address at the Malaysian Religious Agencies Assembly (IJPAM) 2025 here today, as quoted by Bernama.
“For example, in Nepal, riots are happening everywhere, ministers have been stripped, and people have died in horrific circumstances,” he said.
On Wednesday, violent protests led to the downfall of Nepal’s government, claiming at least 51 lives. The riots marked the deadliest unrest in the country since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008.
Anwar also referenced a tragic shooting incident at the University of Utah, USA, where a prominent conservative leader, Charlie Kirk, was reportedly targeted, further underscoring the chaos in the world.
“Two days ago, there was a shooting incident at the University of Utah, USA, targeting a leader. We pray that, InshaAllah, we can continue to maintain our peace and unity,” he added.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s relative peace, when compared to the international unrest, should not be taken for granted, urging the public to appreciate the stability that has been preserved.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of balancing economic and physical development with the preservation and strengthening of humanitarian values. As Malaysia seeks to elevate its status as a developed nation, Anwar asserted that the country must not compromise on the well-being of its people.
“Progress in terms of physical or economic development must go hand in hand with the upholding of humanitarian values. In our zeal to develop the country and achieve the status of a developed nation, we cannot neglect these values for the sake of the people’s overall well-being,” he said.
Anwar further called for Islamic religious agencies to lead the charge in the nation’s development, grounded in Islamic principles, and highlighted the need for digitalisation and the adoption of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to be guided by Islamic perspectives.
“I ask that all national policies, including those on rural development and digital transformation, should be shaped by an Islamic perspective,” he said.
Also present at the event was Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs). – September 13, 2025