PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received the Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2025 in recognition of his leadership in making Malaysia the world leader in Islamic finance.
The award was presented by the Chairman of the Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA), Dr. Humayon Dar at a prestigious ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur today.
Anwar said he was proud to be part of the Islamic banking and finance community but stressed that the award was not for him alone, but rather represented the collective efforts of many parties.
“Whatever small contribution I have made, this recognition is actually for those who have served, sacrificed, and given much greater dedication than myself.
“This award actually belongs to the pioneers, activists, scholars, academics, thinkers and movers who have built the strong foundation of Islamic finance since the very beginning,” he said when speaking at the ceremony.
Anwar added that the role of regulators who have successfully built a resilient framework, as well as the innovation of local financial institutions that provide sharia-compliant solutions on a large scale, should also be commended.
“This award is actually for those who have served with dedication, as an encouragement for them to continue to excel in this field,” he said.
For the record, Anwar is the second Prime Minister to receive this award after the fifth Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Other previous recipients also include the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah ibni.
The award, regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in the field, recognised Anwar’s decades-long contribution to Islamic finance – from his role in launching Malaysia’s pioneering Islamic banking initiatives in the 1980s to his current push for innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Humayon in his speech said that this award is a testament to Anwar’s dedication, perseverance, and far-sighted leadership.
He said that the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to justice, socio-economic development and community empowerment is very much in line with the principles of Islamic finance.
“Under his leadership, Malaysia has not only strengthened its position as a global leader in Islamic finance, but has also pioneered innovation, inclusiveness, and the integration of ethical values into the financial system.
“His focus on education, sustainable development, and a just economy has inspired policies that have had a profound impact, not only on Malaysia, but also on the Muslim world and the international community,” he said. - September 11, 2025
