Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Muslim nations to complement their firm opposition to Israeli Zionist aggression with internal reforms, emphasizing clean governance, justice, and economic advancement through Islamic finance.
“While taking a strong and principled stance against Israeli Zionist aggression, colonization, and their utter disregard for international law and order, we must also ensure that we keep our own house in order, promoting ethical standards, ridding our societies of corruption, injustice, and inequality, and propelling our economies, including through the viable alternative of Islamic economics,” he stated in his address at the Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2025 ceremony.
Anwar’s comments arise amid global condemnation of Israel’s airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha on Tuesday, which resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and one member of Qatar’s Internal Security Force.
“The world, in simpler layman’s terms, is in a mess. It is not only tumultuous but also marked by exasperation and bombings,” Anwar remarked.
“In recent days, we have seen one country displaying madness and arrogance, causing mischief, disasters, and atrocities across an entire region.
“Of course, the worst affected is Gaza, followed most recently by Qatar, while the world, including the Muslim world, has seemed helpless in dealing with it.”
Earlier in the event, Anwar received the Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2025.
This annual accolade honors exceptional contributions to global Islamic banking and finance, with a focus on social responsibility, Sharia authenticity, and unwavering commitment to the sector.
Malaysia stands as a global frontrunner in Islamic finance, supported by robust regulations and governmental backing. It secured the top position in the 2024 Islamic Finance Development Indicator (IFDI), excelling in sukuk issuance and Shariah-compliant banking, surpassing competitors in the Gulf region.
Anwar emphasized that Islamic finance extends beyond mere Shariah-compliant banking; it forms part of a comprehensive framework aligned with Maqasid Shariah, which advocates fairness, risk-sharing, and social justice.
By reinforcing this framework, he noted, Muslim nations can address inequality, combat poverty, and avert marginalization, while offering a credible alternative to conventional financial systems.
“The ethos of Islamic finance is universal, rooted in Maqasid Shariah principles that uphold fairness, risk-sharing, and reject exploitation,” he explained.
Anwar further affirmed that Malaysia will persist in enhancing the role of Islamic finance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and in cultivating the next ethical generation.
“By ethical generation, I mean leaders and players who believe in values and ethical principles, and who will carry the mission forward into the future.
“I take great satisfaction that here in Malaysia, the participation of both Muslims and non-Muslims has been very encouraging, and it shows that we can offer a viable, more just, inclusive, and sustainable alternative through more vibrant, relevant, and ethical Islamic instruments in banking and finance.
“So together, let us ensure it remains a beacon of justice, dignity, and hope for all humanity.”
Malaysia plans to introduce new initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to solidify its status as a premier global Islamic finance hub.
