KUALA LUMPUR: All parties must strive to ensure that Islamic finance remains innovative, inclusive and globally competitive in navigating the challenging period of global and economic uncertainty, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the Islamic world should foster Shariah thought leadership that is not only rooted in tradition but also responsive and agile in addressing contemporary realities.
“The 2026 International Shariah Scholars Roundtable (iSHAR) gathering today reflects the reality that no single country, institution, or scholar can face this challenge by themselves.
“Thus, we must strengthen strategic collaboration among scholars, regulators, financial institutions, and the academic community,” he said.
His opening speech text was read by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Anwar said Malaysia is now known as a pioneer in the global Islamic finance ecosystem, not for prestige or reputation, but rather because the world needs a financial system grounded in ethics, justice, and compassion.
“The MADANI framework we uphold demands a balance between economic growth and moral responsibility, and between profit and noble objectives. Islamic finance, anchored in Shariah principles, offers the right model for achieving this balance,” he said.
He noted that the financial issues today are not merely technical in nature, but are also moral questions about how financial systems can serve humanity.
Anwar said justice, transparency and accountability must remain at the heart of economic and financial institutions as they navigate an increasingly complex global environment.
He added that no country, institution or individual scholar could address these challenges by themselves, thus, it is vital to strengthen strategic cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
The Prime Minister also called for continued efforts to strengthen the commitment to fairness in the financial system, inclusivity in economic participation, sustainability in development and integrity in every transaction. – Reuters
