Anwar calls for Islamic finance ideas to translate into policies, products

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wants discussions on Islamic finance to be translated into policies, products and practices that directly benefit society, rather than remain merely as intellectual discourse.

He said the platform must move beyond dialogue towards concrete implementation.

“Let us intensify our efforts towards implementation.

“Let us ensure that all the ideas and insights generated here are translated into policies, products and practices that can uplift and safeguard society,” he said at the International Syariah Scholars Roundtable (iSHAR) 2026 today.

The text of Anwar’s speech was delivered by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan.

Anwar said this was particularly important as the world faces economic instability, geopolitical tensions and widening inequality.

He said Islamic finance should not be viewed merely as a technical matter, but also as a moral question of how financial systems could serve humanity.

“How do we ensure that finance serves humanity, rather than humanity becoming enslaved by finance?” he said.

Anwar said Malaysia was recognised as one of the pioneers of the global Islamic finance ecosystem, but its position should not be viewed merely in terms of prestige.

Instead, he said the world needed a financial system grounded in ethics, justice and compassion.

He said the Malaysia Madani framework called for a balance between economic growth and moral responsibility, including between profit and broader noble objectives.