MADANI Nation Must Balance Development with Morality and Justice: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim joined hundreds of worshippers at Masjid Jamek Bandar Baru Seri Petaling today for Friday prayers following the morning’s Maulidur Rasul sallallahu alaihi wasallam celebration, describing the mosque as a center of da’wah that has illuminated the ummah for more than three decades.

After prayers, Anwar delivered a tausiah during the Temu Mesra MADANI program organized by the Federal Territories Mufti Department. In his address, he reflected on the enduring spirit of struggle and sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW as the best model for humanity.

“History proves that the strength of the ummah comes from unity, knowledge, and awareness,” he said, recalling how Salahuddin al-Ayyubi revitalized mosques, instilled the spirit of jihad and Islamic consciousness, and united the people, enabling the recapture of Baitul Maqdis.

Anwar stressed that true strength lies in nurturing the mosque, fostering community unity, and advancing knowledge. “Today, there are those with knowledge but lacking awareness, and others with awareness but without the courage to act,” he noted.

وَٱلَّذِينَ جَٰهَدُواْ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ: Quoting Surah al-Ankabut, verse 69, “And those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good,” he urged Malaysians to emulate the spirit of perseverance and excellence.

The Prime Minister also underlined that the MADANI concept is not limited to politics or economics. Rather, it encompasses faith, compassion, justice, and moral values, ensuring material progress goes hand in hand with character, education, and social well-being.

“As an example, the increase in civil servants’ salaries and the minimum wage is a manifestation of ihsan (compassion) in national policies,” he explained.

Anwar reaffirmed that the government welcomes constructive criticism and is committed to improving shortcomings. However, he emphasized that criticism must be rooted in ethics, not slander or insults.

“Through mutual advice and sincere reminders, we can uplift the dignity of our ummah, families, and society,” he said.

Reflecting on the legacy of Masjid Jamek Seri Petaling, Anwar expressed gratitude for the ulama and teachers whose wisdom and guidance transformed communities with patience and wisdom.

“May this spirit of da’wah and struggle continue to guide our efforts in building Malaysia MADANI, rooted in the faith, knowledge, and morals of Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam,” he concluded.