Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the pursuit of knowledge and the strengthening of moral values must remain the foundation of efforts to build a MADANI nation, particularly at a time when nations around the world are racing to embrace technological advancements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that a country's progress should not be measured solely by technological achievements and physical development but must also be guided by faith, ethics, and human values. 'We see countries across the world today competing to advance new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), but the core foundation must remain knowledge and moral values,' he said when speaking at the 'Majlis Ilmu MADANI' event at the Al-Sultan Abdullah Mosque, Menara Merdeka 118.
Anwar highlighted that technological mastery and modern development cannot be separated from the need to cultivate faith, integrity, and strong human values, as these elements are essential in ensuring that progress benefits society as a whole. He reflected on the historical influence of Islam, noting that Muslims once led the world through their commitment to knowledge, scholarship, and civilisation-building, but gradually fell behind when that intellectual tradition was neglected.
The prime minister elaborated on Islam's significant historical contributions to the development of world civilisation and its influence across various regions, driven by the rich legacy of knowledge and thought advanced by earlier Muslim scholars. The 'Majlis Ilmu MADANI' programme, organised by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), gathered members of the public from various backgrounds to engage in religious lectures and intellectual discourse.
Anwar also expressed appreciation to prominent Islamic scholars who attended the event, including Sheikh Muhammad Hydara al-Jilani and Habib Ali Zaenal Abidin Al Hamid. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan was also present at the event.