KUALA LUMPUR June 12, 2026 — Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with international religious leaders and scholars on the sidelines of the 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders, emphasizing Malaysia’s model of managing a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society through mutual respect, moderation, and dialogue.
In a statement shared on social media, Anwar described the discussions as an opportunity to exchange views on building cohesive societies amid global challenges. He showcased Malaysia’s experience in fostering harmony across diverse races, languages, and faiths, noting that while managing pluralism is complex, it relies on core principles of respect and understanding.
The summit, held under the theme “Religious Leaders and Youth: Advancing Coexistence and Social Harmony,” brought together about 1,500 participants from 31 countries, including scholars, academics, and policymakers. It was officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, and attended by prominent figures such as Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Anwar stressed the importance of strengthening scholarly traditions — both classical and contemporary — to guide societies through modern complexities. He welcomed constructive feedback on expanding Islamic education, deepening understanding of Islam, and building knowledge-based communities rooted in humanitarian values. Malaysia, he said, is open to international collaborations that benefit the global Muslim ummah and humanity at large.
Addressing persistent challenges like racism, religious hatred, and divisive allegations, Anwar advocated for wisdom over anger. He cited Malaysia’s response to incidents such as Quran burnings abroad: instead of retaliation, the country is printing and distributing one million translated copies of the Quran in multiple languages.
“This initiative aims to nurture a culture of knowledge, strengthen inter-communal understanding, and present the true face of Islam — a religion of mercy (rahmah), justice, and compassion (ihsan) for all mankind,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s remarks align with his MADANI vision, which promotes civilizational values, inclusivity, and ethical governance. Hashtags accompanying his post — #MalaysiaMADANI, #MADANIbekerja, and #YakinMADANI — underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to these goals.
The summit continues discussions on global peace, youth empowerment, and the role of religious leaders in countering moral crises and division. Anwar’s engagement highlights Malaysia’s active role as a moderate Muslim-majority nation bridging faiths and fostering international cooperation.
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