PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that Malaysia’s development must be driven by strong values and moral foundations, setting it apart from other models of progress.
Delivering his speech at the opening of the National Level Quran Recitation and Memorisation Ceremony 1446H/2025 last night, Anwar said this principle was central to the government’s MADANI concept, which aims to foster a values-based approach to national development.
“True, there is a need, the country must develop vigorously and progressively, it must not be left behind in any field, but our development must be based on values and morals and this distinguishes us from other understandings and ideologies,” he said.
“… and with the ravenousness that occurs, more so in today's world that challenges the entire principle of human values itself,” he added.
Anwar underlined that mastery of the Quran remains fundamental in elevating the dignity and advancement of Muslims in Malaysia, particularly in the effort to build a civilisational MADANI nation.
He also urged Muslims to not neglect proficiency in language, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, warning that failure to do so would leave them behind in rapidly evolving fields.
“I would like to remind and call on my friends who have the ability to impart knowledge, remember that our challenges are too complicated and Muslims need to do something fresher, more dynamic, more courageous,” he said.
Following a series of engagements in Kuala Perlis, Anwar called on scholars and those with the means to help cultivate a renewed consciousness among the ummah, emphasising the need to strengthen mastery of the Quran as a foundation for restoring the dignity of the Muslim community.
“We must deepen our engagement with the Quran as the basis for restoring the dignity of the ummah and continue to uncover its wisdom to respond to the questions and challenges of the post-normal era, in which truth and rights are increasingly seen as relative,” he said.
In a Fcebook post this morning, Anwar stressed the need to stimulate critical thinking within the community through a refreshed approach to taffaquh fiddin (deep understanding of religion), particularly in addressing the current malaise—an emotional and spiritual fatigue that demands responses grounded in knowledge and strong values.
“Our challenge is how far the ummah can build strength, from ‘Din’ (religion) to ‘Madinah’ (city), and ultimately to civilisation, in realising the aspirations of a MADANI nation,” he noted.
He reflected on the legacy of Islamic preaching in the Malay Archipelago, referencing the ‘Babad Tanah Jawi’ and the work of Wali Songo, as well as the observations of Ibn Battuta in Perlak. These historical accounts, he said, underscore the value of a wise and tolerant approach in conveying the essence of Islam, so that the ummah is not divided or antagonised.
“The ummah (Muslim community) holds high hopes for us to drive renewal in facing increasingly complex and varied challenges, both domestically and abroad,” he said.
He highlighted the need for building internal resilience—not only in faith and character, but also in economic management and governance across all sectors.
“Insya-Allah, we will continue to strive and endeavour to strengthen ‘taffaquh fiddin’ (seeking knowledge of religion) and mastery across disciplines so that our vision of uplifting the ummah and nation may be realised upon the foundation of noble principles and true ethics,” he added.
The event was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.
The National Level Quran Recitation and Memorisation Ceremony, which features 109 participants, began yesterday and will run until May 2, 2025 at Dewan 2020 in Kangar. - April 28, 2025
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