PM Anwar Ranks 13th in The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims 2027 Edition
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been ranked 13th in the 2027 edition of “The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims”, published by the Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC).
According to the 18th annual edition of the publication, accessible at https://themuslim500.com, Anwar assumed office as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister in November 2022, leading the Unity Government under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
The report stated that Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, prioritises a robust digital and economic transition strategy for Malaysia through his Malaysia MADANI framework, placing artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centres, cloud computing and energy transition at the core of the government’s strategic agenda.
“In June 2026, Anwar highlighted energy transition as a key pillar of Malaysia’s development agenda, directly linking the country’s future energy needs to the rapid growth of the high-tech infrastructure sector,” the report stated.
At the regional level, the publication also highlighted Anwar’s role as a constructive peace mediator in Southeast Asia, particularly through diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing tensions and building trust between Thailand and Cambodia following border clashes in July 2025.
“As Malaysia’s Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair, he hosted negotiations between the leaders of both countries in Putrajaya, which helped secure a ceasefire agreement. Anwar helped build trust between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, further strengthening Malaysia’s image as a constructive peace mediator in Southeast Asia,” the report stated.
In addition, The Muslim 500 recognised Anwar as one of the world’s most vocal leaders in advocating for Palestine, maintaining Malaysia’s unwavering support for the protection of civilians and access to humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
“Taking a firm stance on the international stage, Anwar announced to the Malaysian Parliament that the country was leading an international core coalition drafting a formal resolution to expel Israel from the United Nations (UN). Anwar reiterated that Malaysia’s position of not recognising Israel under any circumstances remains unchanged,” the report stated.
The report noted that Anwar’s meetings with Hamas officials, including its late leader Ismail Haniyeh, drew public objections from Western countries, which the Prime Minister firmly rejected while asserting Malaysia’s absolute right as a sovereign nation to determine its own foreign policy.
Beyond his political leadership, the recognition also highlighted Anwar’s early involvement in activism as the founder and president of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) in 1971, as well as his experience holding several Cabinet portfolios, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in the 1990s.
The report also highlighted his significant contributions to academia, having served as a visiting academic at St Antony’s College, Oxford, Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University.
“He is a co-founder of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), established in the United States in 1981. He also served as Pro-Chancellor of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) from 1983 to 1988 and has received numerous international honorary degrees,” the report stated.
In the 2027 edition, the top positions were shared by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Other Southeast Asian leaders featured among the top 50 included Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in 16th place, Nahdlatul Ulama Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf (21st) and Indonesian Islamic scholar Habib Luthfi bin Yahya (31st).
Meanwhile, Palestinian paediatrician and Kamal Adwan Hospital Director Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been detained by Israel without charge since December 2024, was named “The Muslim 500’s Man of the Year for 2027” and ranked 50th on the list.
BERNAMA