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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a renewed commitment to ethical governance, strategic foresight, and social justice as Malaysia navigates mounting global tensions, economic nationalism, and humanitarian crises.
Delivering the keynote address at the Khazanah Megatrend Forum in Kuala Lumpur on 6 October, Anwar warned that the world is caught in “a moment of deep global unease,” citing both the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and rising geopolitical and trade tensions between global powers.
“In the words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah: ‘We are going through fire; the sunshine has yet to come,’” he said. “Nevertheless, for Gaza, the rays of hope may come through soon,” referring to recent positive developments in ceasefire proposals.
Malaysia, he said, welcomes any step towards peace and urges for an “immediate halt to attacks” and unimpeded humanitarian access. “This tragedy has seared itself into the conscience of humanity,” he added. “Lasting peace must begin with the courage to stop the killing and to uphold the sanctity of life.”
Anwar confirmed the safe return of all 23 Malaysian participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission after their release by Israeli authorities, and reiterated Malaysia’s solidarity with those advocating justice for Palestinians. “We stand in firm solidarity with all who work towards a just and durable peace,” he said.
Shifting to the economic front, Anwar painted a stark picture of a world edging back towards protectionism and trade hostilities. “The multilateral trading system, once the bedrock of shared prosperity, is now in a state of paralysis, with trust absent and predictability in short supply,” he said. “Malaysia must not lose its bearings.”
He stressed that Malaysia’s approach to global uncertainty must be anchored in “fortitude and strategic foresight,” backed by credible governance and a long-term development agenda. “We cannot predict every storm,” he said, “but we can strengthen the vessel we sail in.”
Malaysia’s recent fiscal and institutional reforms, Anwar said, were designed to achieve growth that is sustainable, transparent, and equitable. “We have restored fiscal discipline, strengthened institutions, and redirected public expenditure towards long-term value—in education, healthcare, digital infrastructure and the green economy,” he said.
The Madani framework, he added, underpins the government’s commitment to social justice. “Capital growth must always be in tandem with expansion efforts in the name of social justice, true to the spirit of Madani Malaysia,” Anwar said.
Malaysia’s economic indicators—steady growth, low inflation, and low unemployment—are encouraging, but Anwar cautioned that true success lies in resilience and readiness. “The question is not whether we can avoid risk, but whether we can govern it,” he said.
He praised Khazanah Nasional’s evolving role in supporting national resilience through strategic investments in semiconductors, green technology, and local start-ups, notably through its Jelawang Capital initiative. “Khazanah must not only seek profit but balance commercial returns with national development,” he said.
Anwar emphasised that Khazanah, and institutions like it, must advance inclusive development to ensure prosperity reaches all levels of society. “This alignment with the Madani philosophy—of inclusivity and social justice—is what distinguishes meaningful prosperity from the illusion of wealth.”
He also sounded caution over global technological shifts, particularly artificial intelligence, warning of growing inequality in the absence of ethical governance. “Power today is not only measured by military might or market size, but by credibility—the capacity to be trusted,” he said.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s global engagement, Anwar said the country will continue to champion open trade and multilateral cooperation, through platforms such as APEC, ASEAN and emerging groupings including BRICS.
With Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship soon concluding, he urged regional leaders to ensure the bloc remains “central, cohesive and confident.” He warned that despite global decoupling, Malaysia must remain outward-looking and cooperative, not isolated.
“The economy is not an end in itself; it is a means to secure the wellbeing of our people,” he said. “When we invest in education, we are building citizens. When we reform governance, we are restoring trust.”
In closing, Anwar urged Malaysians to meet global challenges with humility and unity. “Let us remember that nations rise not by avoiding risk, but by facing it together,” he said. “Malaysia’s story is proof that adversity need not define us—it can refine us.”
PM Urges Civil and Responsible Campaigning Ahead of Sabah State Election
On a separate matter, Anwar calls on parties to offer voters mature, respectful choices as Sabah heads to the polls
He urged all political parties contesting in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election (PRN17) to conduct their campaigns with decorum and responsibility.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Khazanah Megatrend Forum in Kuala Lumpur today, Anwar emphasised the need for a more refined political discourse, encouraging all sides to provide voters with constructive and meaningful options.
“Be cautious in discussions, and I hope campaigning will be carried out respectfully, offering the best choices for the people,” he said.
His remarks follow Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s announcement of the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, paving the way for the state election to be held within the next 60 days. - October 6, 2025
