PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a quantum leap in transformation if Malaysia is to realise its ambition of becoming a developed nation.
Speaking as moderator at the fifth Malaysia Madani Scholars Forum (FIM) on Friday evening, Anwar said that incremental change will no longer suffice in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
“Any rapid change will inevitably bring about issues — be it political or social tension — but if we ask ourselves whether we have a choice, the answer is no. If there is no choice, then brace ourselves and leap,” he said during the closing of the forum’s discussion titled “The Role of Government-Linked Investment Companies in Transforming Companies: Balancing Profit and Responsibility to Spark a Creative Nation.”
Also featured at the event were Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Khazanah Nasional managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, and Khazanah Research Institute chairman Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhi. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir was also present.
Anwar emphasised that a shift in public consciousness is vital — urging Malaysians to focus on progress-oriented issues rather than being bogged down by racial and religious rhetoric.
“I’m not saying race or religion are unimportant, but that narrative tires us out and holds us back. Other nations are now talking about energy and artificial intelligence (AI), yet our by-election campaigns are filled with baseless accusations and distractions.”
He stressed the need for a new narrative and theoretical framework to guide Malaysia forward — one that encourages creativity, inclusiveness, and bold thinking.
Anwar also addressed the importance of strategic economic positioning, pointing to the need for Malaysia to make bold and timely decisions in the national interest. This includes the possibility of joining BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as a way to reduce reliance on traditional markets.
Touching on Asean’s evolving role, the Prime Minister said discussions now go beyond regional centrality and peace, with increasing focus on intra-Asean trade, competitiveness, and external pressures.
He cited former US President Donald Trump’s imposition of retaliatory tariffs, which spurred the European Union (EU) to re-engage on a previously stalled Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Asean.
“Asean once pleaded for an FTA with the EU, but they were dismissive. Now, with the shift in global trade dynamics, the EU wants to accelerate the process — and we must be ready to act swiftly,” he said.
