PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has climbed to 10th place in the 2026 edition of The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims, published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC) under the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Amman, Jordan.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, was previously ranked 15th in 2025 and 17th in 2024, reflecting a steady rise in global recognition, reported Astro Awani.
The publication highlights his journey from student days at Universiti Malaya to becoming Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister in November 2022, noting his resilience through political challenges, periods of imprisonment, removal from office, and his extended tenure as opposition leader before returning to head the government.
The report also cites Anwar's role in easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia following border clashes, which bolstered Malaysia's image as a regional peacemaker.
"Anwar helped build trust between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, thereby strengthening Malaysia's image as a constructive peace mediator in South-East Asia," it states.
On international human rights, Anwar is recognised for his vocal support of Palestinian rights and his condemnation of what he calls the atrocities of the Zionist regime in Gaza. He openly criticised Meta for deleting condolence posts for slain Hamas leaders, describing the action as cowardly and urging the company not to bow to Israeli pressure.
The listing acknowledges Anwar's global leadership in promoting social justice, progressive Islamic governance, regional peace, and Muslim solidarity. The top position in the 2026 edition is held by Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is placed at 15th. - October 30, 2025
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