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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's approach to handling religious and racial controversies has been widely praised as an exemplary leadership model that others should follow.
His calm, measured, and communicative style has proved to be highly effective in addressing sensitive issues, according to experts.
Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) Chief Executive Officer Danial Rahman recently commended Anwar's leadership, which he described as being characterised by clarity, cultural sensitivity, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Referring to the recent controversy involving temples and mosques, Danial pointed out that one of Anwar’s key strengths was his ability to manage the situation with composure and provide clear factual explanations to counter misinformation.
The controversy had involved claims that the government had forced the relocation of a temple, but Anwar and his team clarified that the land in question had been sold in 2012, long before the current MADANI administration took office.
The Prime Minister stressed that the government was not an instigator of the issue but rather acted as a mediator.
"Anwar and his team explained that the land had been sold in 2012, long before the MADANI administration, reaffirming the government’s role as a mediator rather than an instigator,"Bernama cited Danial saying in a statement.
He also noted that, rather than issuing impersonal statements, the Prime Minister and his team offered daily updates on the legal aspects of the situation, acknowledged past mistakes, and provided details on the resolution process.
The Federal Territories Minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, also played a pivotal role in ensuring the issue was resolved amicably, preventing what could have become a drawn-out legal dispute. Her efforts were widely acknowledged and praised.
Danial highlighted the involvement of Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, who personally engaged with stakeholders to demonstrate the commitment of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to being more approachable and responsive.
He also noted the presence of Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, Datuk Seri M. Ramanan, and Batu Member of Parliament, Prabakaran Parameswaran, whose participation underscored the government's commitment to representing all races in resolving the issue.
"Also present were Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Datuk Seri M. Ramanan and Batu Member of Parliament Prabakaran Parameswaran. Their presence was not merely symbolic but reinforced the government's commitment to representing all races,"Bernama quoted Danial saying.
One of the key elements of Anwar’s approach, according to Danial, has been actively confronting misinformation, particularly when political manipulation threatened to cloud the public discourse.
Anwar criticised the dangerous and irresponsible narrative suggesting that the government’s engagement with temples would somehow weaken Malay Muslims.
"The dangerous narrative suggesting that the government’s engagement with temples would make Malay Muslims appear weak is both false and highly irresponsible," Danial stressed.
This was not the first time Anwar had stepped in to ease tensions.
Danial also referenced the controversial Thaipusam sketch incident, where the Prime Minister took proactive steps to address the issue by meeting with the three radio presenters involved during an iftar with the media.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Tunku Nashrul noted that Anwar had advised the presenters to "always carry the message of unity in line with the spirit of MADANI, which emphasises compassion and respect."
"It may seem like a simple gesture, but its symbolism is significant. Leadership is not just about making policies or steering ministries—it requires leaders to be on the ground, engaging directly with the people and being present in crucial moments," Danial said.
He acknowledged that Anwar’s efforts to create calm, facilitate discussions, and develop win-win solutions might not make headlines or go viral on social media platforms, but they are nonetheless invaluable for fostering unity and preventing conflict.
"Anwar’s approach of facilitating and calming tensions to create win-win solutions is not easily achieved. Is his effort undervalued? Perhaps. Meaningful results often don’t make sensational headlines or viral TikTok clips. But that doesn’t mean they should be dismissed," he explained.
He said true unity is not achieved overnight but cultivated through consistent acts of respect, empathy, compromise, and courageous leadership.
He highlighted that the MADANI government’s response to religious and racial controversies has helped nurture a responsive governance culture, which in turn has ensured harmony within the nation.
"Unity is built through consistent acts of respect, daily empathy, compromise, and the courage to lead without fear," he concluded, underscoring the importance of Anwar's leadership in maintaining Malaysia’s harmonious coexistence. – March 30, 2025