PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appeared to take a subtle swipe at his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, by referring to himself as a “guru” and telling his “students” to learn from him during his diplomatic mission to India.
Anwar made the remarks in a Facebook post after arriving in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, where Malaysia is participating as a BRICS partner country.
“Alhamdulillah, the guru has safely arrived in New Delhi, India, to carry the country’s name onto the world stage at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
“Pray that this diplomatic mission achieves its objectives. May the students learn from the guru how Madani diplomacy is put into practice. Slayyy,” he said.
The remarks came a day after Zahid, in his policy speech as UMNO president at the party’s 2026 general assembly, used the term “guru” while urging those in positions of influence to listen to the grievances and concerns of the people.
In outlining his Malaysia Biru Agenda, Zahid referred to an unnamed individual as a “guru” while highlighting the impact of economic policies on ordinary Malaysians.
He also urged young people to be confident in putting forward their ideas, using the terms “slay” and “flex” in a separate social media post.
Anwar’s choice of words appeared to echo the language recently used by Zahid, while casting the Prime Minister’s BRICS mission as an opportunity for his “students” to observe how Madani diplomacy is put into practice on the international stage.
Malaysia has participated in BRICS as a partner country since Jan 1, 2025.
Anwar’s attendance at the summit underscores Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and strategic cooperation internationally while deepening its engagement with the BRICS grouping. - September 12, 2026
