Malaysian PM gives a speech at Azhar Conference Centre, praises Grand Imam’s role

CAIRO – 10 November 2024: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Anwar Ibrahim gave a public lecture at the Al-Azhar Conference Centre titled “Unity is Strength… A Vision for the Islamic Ummah through Technological, Social and Economic Empowerment”

Ibrahim is paying Egypt an official state visit, during which he and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi witnessed signing of a number of agreements. 

“For more than 1,000 years, Al-Azhar has been a beacon of learning. Here, the Renaissance flourished long before the term became fashionable, and the Enlightenment glowed before the dawn of the Age of Reason in the West”

Malaysian Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, for his invitation to the Malaysian Premier to deliver this public lecture at Al Azhar and before this distinguished gathering of respected and educated audience.

He praised the Grand Imam’s role as he is a model of the virtues of moderation, saying “this is translated in his influential and rich contribution to the nation in leading Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.” He also praised the Grand Imam’s stance towards the Palestinian cause.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia called on the people to appreciate this role of Al-Azhar. He stressed that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is still strong and capable of performing crucial roles of spreading knowledge and creative thinking and fighting the onslaught of colonialism while preserving the rights and identity of the Islamic nation. 

He added that the Malaysian educational institutions play a crucial role in nurturing the Azhar’s vision of knowledge. These institutions must be places where students learn to serve the community, and think critically.