PETALING JAYA, Aug 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on religious leaders of all faiths to play a stronger role in defending justice, compassion and universal values amid rising global distrust and moral decline.
In his opening remarks at the 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders here, Anwar urged for a united front among faith leaders to defend the very essence of humanity and belief.
“All religious leaders must unite and defend what humanity is and what belief is. We must unite against the forces that reject faith altogether,” he said.
Anwar also expressed concern over what he described as a decline in trust and a deficit among political leaders in understanding the true meaning of justice, humanity, and good values.
He said many global leaders speak of democracy and human rights, yet fail to apply those values consistently, especially when dealing with other nations or communities.
“I’m just appealing to religious leaders to take up that task, because in my limited experience in governance, talking to leaders, I see so many contradictions, which I sometimes see as blatant hypocrisy,” he said.
Thus, Anwar stressed that religious leaders have a moral duty to unite people, promote respect and understanding, and stand up for universal values with courage, beyond political hesitation.
Reflecting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Anwar said the tragedy revealed the international community’s loss of moral clarity and abandonment of justice.
“Every day you see babies being killed, houses and people being bombed. There may be some voices of sympathy, and maybe there’s a solution, but what on earth is happening?
“Where is the voice of conscience that stands for our faith and moral values?” he said.
In his opening remarks, Anwar also highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining peace and harmony by engaging with all communities and acknowledged that while it might not be possible to satisfy everyone, inclusive and continuous engagement remains essential.
“I’m in a country where 60 per cent are Muslims, an abundant number of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and some ‘enemies’, and we have to deal, not necessarily to satisfy or easily satisfy everyone, but we have to engage.
“Every policy will have to be discussed, but more importantly, in the principle of governance.
“I learned from the writings of, for instance, the Maqasid Syariah of Al-Shatibi in Mawafakat about some of the principles which include protecting life, property, honour and dignity. This covers, of course, every single human being, men, women, youth and children,” he said.
Anwar also made clear that while Malaysia respects freedom of speech, it will not tolerate those who incite racial or religious hatred.
“I believe in democracy, freedom, but I draw the line. You create havoc and preach hatred against any other race or religion, we will go hard on you because you will destroy the very fabric of this country,” he said.
The 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders was organised by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in collaboration with the Muslim World League (MWL).
Also present were MWL secretary-general Sheikh Mohammad Abdul Kareem al-Issa and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
