Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said religious leaders are vital in upholding humanitarian values during a deepening global moral crisis. He told the 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders held at the KLCC Convention Centre in June 2026 that they represent "the voice of conscience, reason, patience and tolerance — qualities that are in short supply in today's world" [1].
Anwar said religion, which should promote peace and cohesion, faces challenges because it is often politicized and manipulated to fuel hostility. He cited the Charter of Madinah as a model of religious and racial diversity that preserves the dignity of individuals and offers a social contract for peaceful coexistence [1]. He pointed to Malaysia’s current peace and harmony as proof that people of different faiths can live with openness and dialogue [1].
At the Sabah International Convention Centre on June 13, 2026, Anwar emphasized that mothers and women within the family institution play a fundamental role in national progress and shaping a moral, knowledgeable, and resilient society [2]. He said education begins at home where parents instill religious values, responsibilities, and practices in children. "The school system may succeed, but the foundation of education begins at home," Anwar said. "At home, children come to know their parents, learn the Quran and Hadith, understand their religious responsibilities and learn to pray" [3].
Anwar referenced historical figures such as Sayidatina Khadijah RA and Sayidatina Asma' Abu Bakar RA to illustrate the significant roles women have played in Muslim community development and struggle [3].
He highlighted the need to balance national development between material progress—including infrastructure, technology, and AI—and human development that focuses on values, morals, and spiritual strength under the Malaysia Madani concept. "We don’t just want to build skyscrapers, factories and infrastructure. We also want to develop people who have values, morals and awareness," he said [3, 2].
The 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders brought together prominent figures including Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah alongside Anwar in June 2026 to discuss these key issues [1].
Anwar’s remarks at both the summit and the Sabah 'Walking Together with MADANI: Women of Faith, Women of Resistance' program outlined concrete visions for moral renewal led by religious leaders and empowered mothers within a framework of peaceful coexistence.
