Malaysia’s Strength Lies in Managing Diversity, Not Uniformity – PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s strength does not lie in uniformity, but rather in the nation’s ability to manage diversity in a fair and just manner, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Speaking at the Third International Leadership Summit 2026 here today, he said Malaysia’s experience as a multiracial and multireligious country proves that people of different faiths and backgrounds can live together peacefully while remaining true to their beliefs and principles.
The Prime Minister said that although Islam is recognised as the religion of the Federation as provided for in the Federal Constitution, Malaysia remains a plural nation that practices mutual respect and understanding in exercising the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
“Malaysia is a multiracial country, and we carry out our rights and responsibilities with full respect and consideration for one another. We want to ensure that every member of society and every citizen feels safe and receives equal protection.
“Therefore, our strength does not lie in uniformity, but in our capacity to manage diversity fairly and equitably. We believe that this spirit, if consistently upheld and practised, can serve as an example to the global community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar urged religious leaders to continue using their authority and influence to promote peace and justice, as their role becomes increasingly important amid rising global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
He stressed that intensifying global challenges demand more credible moral leadership and a higher commitment to humanitarian values and ethical principles.
The Prime Minister emphasised that these developments highlight the critical role of religious leaders in promoting sanity, tolerance, and moral responsibility in an increasingly uncertain world.
“Multilateralism is now being replaced by unilateralism. Peace is being replaced by a tendency to pursue endless war. Meanwhile, the plight of the poor and marginalised is largely ignored.
“The role of religious leaders is more relevant now than ever before because you represent the voice of conscience, sanity, patience, and tolerance — qualities that are diminishing in today’s world. Some call this the post-normal era,” he said.
At the same time, Anwar warned that religion, which should be a source of peace, tranquillity, prosperity, and unity, is increasingly being politicised and manipulated to create hostility.
“Religion should promote peace, but it is now being used to cause division. It should foster tolerance and justice, but instead is being used to justify violence and injustice,” he said.
The Prime Minister also cited the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon as an example of the failure to uphold humanitarian values and justice, noting that ceasefires are often violated shortly after being announced.
He said wars involving the indiscriminate killing of women and children are increasingly being normalised, while younger generations are increasingly exposed to scenes of violence, destruction, and violations of human dignity.
“A ceasefire is announced, but it is not adhered to before it can be fully implemented. Bombings continue even while negotiations are ongoing,” he said.
Harian Metro