TLDR: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called upon Muslims to uphold the moral and intellectual foundations of Islam amidst rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence. Speaking at the ‘Malaysia Bermunajat 2025’ event, he emphasized that AI development must be balanced with ethics, values, and spiritual depth to prevent over-reliance on Western systems. Anwar also advocated for integrating traditional Islamic institutions, like ‘pondok’ schools, into the national education system, ensuring students gain modern skills such as digital literacy and technical training while preserving their Islamic values.
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Muslims to steadfastly uphold the intellectual and moral traditions of Islam as the world navigates rapid technological progress, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the ‘Malaysia Bermunajat 2025’ gathering held at Putra Mosque in Putrajaya on July 20, 2025, Anwar stressed the critical need for technological advancements to be firmly rooted in ethics, values, and profound religious understanding.
Addressing thousands at the event, themed ‘Uniting the Ummah Through Supplication and Knowledge,’ Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s proactive stance in AI development. However, he cautioned against the uncritical adoption of foreign models, stating, “Malaysia is among the countries spearheading AI development, but without values and ethics, we will only be consumers of Western systems.” He further emphasized the importance of a strong foundation, asserting, “If we are not aligned—or worse, not anchored in deep understanding and enlightenment—there is no guarantee of safety.”
The Prime Minister underscored the historical significance of traditional Islamic educational institutions, such as ‘pondok’ and ‘pesantren’ schools. He lauded their role in safeguarding Islamic identity, knowledge, and the spirit of resistance during colonial occupation. “When colonial forces took over our education, economy, and culture, one source of strength endured—the pondok and pesantren. They preserved the soul of Islam, our knowledge, and the spirit of resistance,” Anwar remarked. He added, “Imagine if, a hundred years ago, when the British took over, there had been no pondok or pesantren, we might have lost our faith, spirit and fighting soul.”
Anwar advocated for the integration of these traditional institutions into the national education framework. This integration aims to equip students with essential modern skills, including digital literacy and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), while ensuring they remain deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. He called for a renewed focus on Islamic scholarship across various disciplines, from religious sciences to governance and technology, to prevent the loss of identity amidst global changes.
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The ‘Malaysia Bermunajat 2025’ program, organized by the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), sought to foster unity through spiritual reflection and learning, aligning with the values of Malaysia MADANI. The event also featured renowned Pakistani scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil, who emphasized spiritual connection and community responsibility.
