TEKS UCAPAN YAB PERDANA MENTERI: MAJLIS PELANCARAN BOOST BANK

TEKS UCAPAN

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM

PERDANA MENTERI

SEMPENA

MAJLIS PELANCARAN BOOST BANK

6 JUN 2024 (KHAMIS)

MITEC, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

Alhamdulillah,

Nahmaduhu Wa Nusalli Ala Rasoolihil Kareem.

YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo Karpal Singh

Menteri Digital;

YBhg Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan

Pengerusi Axiata Group Berhad;

YBhg Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir

Pengerusi RHB Banking Group;

YBrs Tuan David Lau Nai Pek

Pengerusi Boost Bank;

YBrs Tuan Vivek Sood

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Axiata Group Berhad;

YBrs Puan Fozia Amanulla

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Boost Bank;

YBrs Tuan Mohd Rashid Mohamad

Pengarah Urusan RHB Banking Group; dan

Semua tetamu dan rakan-rakan terutama penggerak-penggerak bank yang sangat enthusiastic.

Terima kasih.

1. Hari ini kita sebenarnya melakukan suatu penemuan penerokaan baharu dalam apa yang dibicarakan dalam negara kita sebagai transformasi digital. Apa kebimbangan kita? Kebimbangan kita selama ini ialah bila kita bicara hal-hal yang besar. Soal memacu pertumbuhan ataupun transformasi digital, kebimbangan terbesar termasuk dalam artificial intelligence ialah ia akan melebarkan lagi jurang di kalangan rakyat terbanyak. Yang miskin sama ada di bandar, desa atau pedalaman, dia akan menambah melebarkan jurang, itu kebimbangan kita.

2. Sebab itu saya alu-alukan langkah dan ikhtiar Boost Bank kerana pendekatan ini memberi kefahaman, pencerahan kepada rakyat, apa erti digital dan kemudian secara langsung melalui Boost Bank ini memberi manfaat langsung kepada rakyat terbanyak yang tidak memikirkan bank itu hanya untuk kepentingan golongan menengah dan atasan. Jadi saya salute dan terima kasih atas inisiatif ini dan memberikan satu manfaat kepada rakyat terbanyak.

3. Tahun lalu, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) telah meluncurkan apa yang disebut Rangka Kerja Rangkuman Kewangan 2023 – 2026. Iaitu untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan kewangan seluruh rakyat Malaysia. Ini satu usul atau cadangan atau ikhtiar yang menarik, tetapi agak tercabar kerana banyak memikirkan bagaimana mungkin kita perkenalkan suatu pendekatan yang canggih. Kerana kadang-kadang di kalangan masyarakat kita dengar digital itu menggerunkan, Artificial Intelligence lagi menakjubkan. Jadi bunyinya pun dah menakutkan, apa lagi nak mengamalkan. Jadi sebab itu ada kerangka bagaimana untuk menarik minat dan penyertaan, ini yang paling penting. Boost Bank itu satu ikhtiar.

4. Sebab tu bagi saya mengapa saya pilih untuk hadir secara peribadi, pertama ia satu penerokaan baru. Satu lonjakan dari segi digital. Yang keduanya, satu ikhtiar yang akan memberi kesempatan kepada rakyat memahami apa dia transformasi digital dan keperluan bersama-sama memanfaatkan ikhtiar baru yang sangat penting bagi negara kita. Dan ketiga, yang juga penting terutama dalam pandangan peribadi saya, kuat dengan hati nurani saya, iaitu ia akan membantu memberikan peluang dan kesempatan bagi rakyat terbanyak yang tidak punyai modal besar atau syarat-syarat yang ketat untuk buka akaun bank dan sebagainya, dan melalui Boost Bank ini dia akan terus dapat manfaat daripada kemudahan yang ada melalui digital.

5. Jadi sebab itu bagi saya soal pembayaran tanpa tunai satu hal, digital, tetapi dia memberikan apa yang dikatakan penyertaan yang disebut inclusive. Maknanya memberikan ruang penyertaan yang ramai. Dalam apa-apa perubahan ini kadang-kadang kita selalu ada masalah. Dia memberi manfaat kepada orang elit, orang atasan, kadang-kadang pandangan yang dibawa oleh Kerajaan ke mana-mana itu dibimbangi ia memberi manfaat kepada kelas tertentu. Maka sebab itu Boost Bank ini ada faedah dan kelainannya.

6. Jadi memang ada peningkatan sejak 2011, kita tengok ada peningkatan transaksi per kapita sudah naik tetapi masih rendah. Sebab itu tanggungjawab kita bersama dan saya ucap tahniah kepada Axiata dan RHB yang yang turut membantu kerana sasaran yang telah ditetapkan ialah 400 transaksi per kapita pada tahun 2026. Ini bukan sasaran yang terlalu tinggi, sukar untuk dicapai. Malah saya jangka kalau kita ada asakan lebih kuat untuk menyelamatkan bangsa dan negara kita, kita harus capai lebih awal daripada itu.

7. Maknanya daripada sekarang harus ada suatu gerakan yang bersungguh-sungguh dan saya harap keluarga dalam Boost Bank ini, Axiata, RHB sebagai tunggaknya harus turun dan menyebarkan, supaya kemudahan ini akan dimanfaatkan oleh Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS) keutamaan kita, tetapi juga kepada rakyat terbanyak. Ini baru kita ada makna. Kalau tidak bunyi inclusive, makna inclusive penyertaan yang ramai. Inclusive bukan untuk kelompok kecil, inclusive ini maknanya penyertaan ramai supaya apa sahaja kemudahan yang kita berikan itu akan dinikmati oleh ramai. Ini maksud Ekonomi MADANI. Ekonomi MADANI ini di antara tunggaknya tentunya transformasi digital. Tetapi kelainannya dengan program ekonomi biasa, bukan sahaja kemampanan. Negara tidak boleh maju kalau kita tidak pacu pertumbuhan. Kita tidak mungkin pacu pertumbuhan kalau tidak ada pelaburan dan keyakinan dan semua ini nampaknya datang dalam setahun ini, Alhamdulillah.

8. Berapa minggu yang lalu saudara bayangkan, Microsoft lebih RM10 bilion, Google 3-4 hari lalu RM10 bilion. Dalam 3-4 hari yang lalu, Mubadala Investment Company, satu syarikat besar UAE. MASDAR, itu semua besar pelaburan mereka. Jadi mudah-mudahan insya-Allah memberikan peluang pekerjaan kepada yang lebih ramai dan memacu pertumbuhan. Tetapi kemampanan dalam Ekonomi MADANI ini bermakna juga ia akan harus mengurangkan jurang di antara yang maha kaya dengan yang miskin. Dia akan memberikan ruang dan perkhidmatan yang lebih baik kepada rakyat terbanyak, itu cabaran kita. Apa yang disebut di situ soal kemanusiaan, soal ihsan supaya pendidikan mereka lebih baik, peluang pekerjaan mereka lebih bermutu, upah dan gaji mereka meningkat daripada kadar sekarang melalui latihan-latihan.

9. Sebab itu saya cadangkan Boost Bank dengan Axiata dan RHB, selain daripada ikhtiar yang diperkenalkan itu, harus juga meneruskan dengan usaha peningkatan latihan supaya tahap kecekapan, keterampilan di kalangan anak muda itu lebih baik. Kerana saudara faham dalam apa yang disebut era postnormal sekarang ini, dia bukan biasa, bukan normal, tetapi disebut postnormal times. Saudara jangan terlepas di Berjaya Times Square tingkat 10 ada pameran postnormal times yang sangat menarik. Yang akan memberi penjelasan lebih teliti dalam apa yang saya nak bicarakan. Ya betul saya bicara hari ini di Boost Bank, tapi we are dealing with postnormal times. What you mean by postnormal times?

10. It is more complex, is full of contradictions and is also chaotic. Not only in terms of civil wars or Russia-Ukraine, or the uncivilized attack by Israel on Gaza, but also you have instability many parts of the world. It is full of contradictions. You talk about humanity and justice, and in Ukraine, you are a bit muted when it comes to Gaza. That means you not talking about humanity, you are talking about race, you are talking about religion, you are talking about class, you are talking about colour, not talking about humanity and human beings. That’s why it is chaotic, it is complex, it’s full of contradictions and of course, quite hypocritical. What is the relevance to the issue of the digitalisation and this transformation we are talking about? Changes are taking place at and unprecedented pace. Never before in history from agricultural revolution to industrial revolution to technological revolution, do you have this change. In matter of month you can see new apps that astounding and require a lot of effort to understand and improvise training and all these things are happening simultaneously. Therefore, they popularise this term simultaneity.

11. Dia berlaku dalam waktu yang sama, semua masalah. Kalau bicara soal digital transformation, transformasi itu sangat pantas. Sebab itu saya usulkan tadi Axiata, RHB dan Boost Bank jangan terlepas usaha untuk terus melancarkan atau mengadakan program-program latihan kepada anak-anak. Tenaga baru, sebenarnya mereka itu bukan sekadar jalan kerja profession seperti biasa, tetapi sentiasa pantas mengikuti perkembangan-perkembangan semasa, penemuan semasa, agar mereka itu selayaknya menjadi pengurusan dan staf bank tetapi yang lebih canggih kerana ini Boost Bank. Ini bukan bank konvensional. Ini bank yang disebut sebagai bank digital.

12. Jadi saya tidak mahu umpamanya tenaga profesional bank digital, fahaman digital itu sama dengan orang-orang lain. Dia harus lebih mampu mengikuti perkembangan semasa dan saya percaya hal-hal ini dapat diberikan perhatian kerana seperti mana saya sebut, Kerajaan MADANI ini komited. Sebab tu saya katakan kerjasama ini strategik. Agensi-agensi yang terlibat dan sekarang kita ada Kementerian Digital. Di antara Kementerian yang mengepalai dan ditugaskan untuk memberi makna dalam erti kata pelaksanaan bukan sahaja oleh Kerajaan tetapi jaringan sinergi di antara sektor awam dan swasta. Tugas Kementerian tentunya menyediakan persekitaran supaya dapat membantu bukan sahaja usahawan PKMS tetapi rakyat terbanyak untuk mencapai matlamat ekonomi yang kita sebutkan. Jadi peranan penting Boost Bank itu tidak boleh dipertikai atau dimungkiri.

13. Melalui inisiatif atau ikhtiar Boost Bank ini, ia harus menjalar kepada penggunanya, kefahamannya. Jadi saya usulkan, saya bukan banker fortunately (nada seloroh). Mohon maaflah kalau saya cuba bagi pandangan tambahan. Kalau bank-bank lain banyak berikan maklumat biasa tentang perbankan kepada pengguna, bank-bank harus juga melalui hubungan digital ini memaklumkan kepada pengguna tentang apa dia penemuan-penemuan baru, apa dia keistimewaan digital ini. Maknanya program pendidikan, apa yang disebut kecelikan. Dulu kalau disebut umpamanya kecelikan budaya, kecelikan kewangan, ini maknanya kecelikan digital. Jadi apakah boleh kita terima tugas ini yang saya percaya tidak akan membebankan dari segi kewangan Boost Bank, tetapi dianggap menerima tugas. Saya percaya Saudara Gobind Singh Deo akan bantu melalui Kementerian beliau untuk memberikan beberapa idea, saranan supaya pelancaran Boost Bank ini bermakna.

14. Selain daripada penemuan baru, suatu yang agak canggih tetapi ia bermakna juga era baru dalam dunia perbankan yang disebut perbankan digital dan kemudian boleh menjalar dengan lingkaran kepada rakyat terbanyak. Sebab saudara harus faham juga ya, kita bicara soal digital, AI ini, tetapi jangan kita anggap semua orang faham. Mereka lebih faham melalui cara praktik, mereka tidak faham dari segi teori banyak-banyak. Dia guna kemudahan ini dan kita mula juga perkenalkan dan beri kecelikan tambahan. Saya ingat kalau boleh saya kongsi sedikit sebelum saya akhiri kuliah ini (nada seloroh).

15. Bila mula-mula kita perkenalkan komputer, orang-orang di kampung-kampung itu lahirkan kebimbangan. Mereka kata, “Dengar komputer pornografi banyak, ini adegan seks banyak, macam mana anak-anak kita hendak gunakan?”. Masa tu saya Ahli Parlimen Permatang Pauh. Saya bawa komputer, saya panggil semua imam-imam jawatankuasa masjid, saya bagi ucapan ringkas sebelum saya kata, “Tok imam, ayat Quran nak baca surah apa? Nak tengok pasal surah apa?” Dia kata “Ali Imran.” “Ali Imran ayat yang mana?” Dia baca. “Okay itu ayat berapa?” “Ayat 23.” Okey saya (membuat carian di internet). “Haa ini dia ayat dia.” Dia terus terpegun. Jadi kita ajar dia pendedahan itu secara praktik.

16. Kemudian masa itu ada aplikasi Hadith Sahih Bukhari. Saya kebetulan pergi makam Bukhari di Samarkand, Uzbekistan baru-baru ini beberapa minggu yang lalu. Tetapi saya kata nak meneliti Sahih Bukhari tajuk apa? Dia kata tajuk ‘Al Adl’ (keadilan). Okay saya (membuat carian di internet), wah menangis Tok Imam itu. “Oh kalau saya di rumah ni cari, jenuh berjam-jam nak cari daripada kitab.” Jadi saya kata ini dia, kita boleh cari yang positif, boleh juga yang negatif. Nak pergi cari yang pelik-pelik tu pasal apa? Takut tak kawal anak-anak. Baik, bagaimanapun kita letak undang-undang dan peraturan, kita tak boleh kawal. Melainkan kita latih mereka dengan kasih sayang, didik mereka. Ini yang dikatakan membangun firewalls di peringkat keluarga. Keluarga itu bangunkan firewalls mereka untuk menentukan, melatih dengan nilai dan akhlak dan ini juga kelainan dalam Ekonomi MADANI.

17. Sebab dalam program ekonomi orang biasanya tidak menyentuh soal nilai, soal budaya, soal akhlak. Dalam MADANI di Malaysia ini kita tekankan soal nilai, budaya dan akhlak, kerana ini keistimewaan kita rakyat Malaysia pelbagai kaum dan pelbagai agama. Jadi untuk itu umpamanya kalau di masjid itu mereka terpesona, kagum. Dia kata “Anwar ini you bagilah tajuk apa pun, dia tup-tup-tup boleh jawab.” Saya kata “Bukan Anwar, ini komputer.” Sebab itu saya katakan pendedahan itu penting. Bahayanya ialah bila disalahgunakan. Apa pun, baca buku pun, ada buku yang baik, ada buku yang tidak baik. Jadi bukan masalah buku, masalah diri kita.

18. Sebab itu transformasi digital itu mendesak dan tugas saudara-saudara ialah memberikan mereka supaya dia lebih sibuk untuk melihat perkembangan baru dan dunia baru. Kalau ada media sosial pun dia gunakan itu untuk memberi penambahan sebagaimana apa yang disebut tadi kecelikan digital. Dulu kita sebutkan economy literacy, cultural literacy, now digital literacy. Ini tanggungjawab Boost Bank. Jadi cukup enam (6) bulan, saya nak tengok laporan. Kalau tidak, buat apa Perdana Menteri datang rasmi susah-susah? Balik-balik sama saja. Jadi enam (6) bulan Menteri Digital akan membentangkan laporan tentang ikhtiar yang istimewa yang dilakukan oleh Boost Bank dan laporan itu dibentangkan di kabinet.

19. Dengan lafaz bismillahirrahmanirrahim, saya merasmikan dan meluncurkan Boost Bank Malaysia.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

TEKS UCAPAN

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM

PERDANA MENTERI

SEMPENA

MAJLIS PERASMIAN PESTA BUKU ANTARABANGSA KUALA LUMPUR 2024 (PBAKL)

30 MEI 2024 (KHAMIS)

PENTAS UTAMA WTCKL, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, dan

Salam Sejahtera,

Alhamdulillah,

Nahmaduhu Wa Nusalli Ala Rasoolihil Kareem

YBrs. Encik Mohd Khair Ngadiron

Pengarah Majlis Buku Kebangsaan Malaysia;

Rakan-rakan penganjur yang mebantu menjayakan majlis;

Rakan-rakan Menteri-menteri;

YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari

Menteri Besar Selangor;

YBhg. Dato’ Seri Dr. A. Samad Said

Sasterawan Negara; dan

Saudara-saudari yang saya muliakan.

1. Terima kasih kerana memberikan sokongan Pesta Buku Antarabangsa. Di antara petanda negara ini mahu diangkat sebagai negara hebat dan Malaysia menjadi maju ialah tahap minat membaca di kalangan rakyat, terutama generasi muda. Sebab itu walaupun kita kadang-kadang melahirkan rasa bimbang, gundah gulana kerana minat membaca itu menurun, diganti oleh media sosial yang kemudian memberikan kononnya laporan dalam 1- 2 minit. Ini membimbangkan.

2. Tetapi dalam Negara MADANI kita mesti angkat semula. Berani membuat sedikit anjakan dan saya berterima kasih kepada pihak penganjur kerana tahun ini dalam Pesta Buku Antarabangsa, bukan sahaja pengunjungnya ramai, tapi dalam 4 hari pertama pembelian buku bertambah ketimbang tahun-tahun sebelumnya.

3. Sudah datang dan beli, balik kena baca. Saya bagi contoh, kalau kita tengok dalam tamadun dan sejarah Islam, masa hebatnya tamadun itu adalah budaya ilmu yang dikaitkan dengan budaya membaca, menelaah buku, menghadam, menganjurkan wacana bebas, wacana segar berdasarkan pembacaan yang lebih. Ada seorang mahu dilantik menjadi pemimpin, kalau masa itu katanya Perdana Menteri atau Datuk Bendahara oleh seorang khalifah, dia tinggal di Asia Tengah (Central Asia). Di antara negara yang kita sebut Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgistan, Hindustan (nada seloroh). Saya baru pulang dari negara-negara tersebut. Jadi seorang dijemput menjadi Perdana Menteri. Syaratnya? Kalau sekarang syarat nak wang, gaji tinggi, pingat-pingat banyak, penghormatan diberikan, dia tidak. Syarat dia kata dia perlukan beberapa ekor unta tambahan untuk mengangkat buku-buku yang banyak di tempat dia untuk dibawa ke kota.

4. Menilai seorang tokoh tentunya dari segi peribadinya, akhlaknya, tetapi dari segi ilmunya. Ini yang jadi masalah kalangan kita sekarang. Kita nilai orang kerana rupa parasnya, kerana keturunannya, kerana harta bendanya. Kita dituntut dalam budaya kita untuk menilai orang dari akhlaknya dan dari ilmunya. Jadi kepada anak-anak muda, saya ingin mengesyorkan tambahlah minat membaca.

5. Tadi saudara Khair cadang kalau boleh, jika boleh, kita berikan semula sedikit bantuan untuk yang disebut baucar buku kepada pelajar-pelajar. Tak tepuk maknanya tak lulus (nada seloroh). Kita ada kekangan tentunya ekonomi kerana saudara-saudara tahukan saya warisi Kerajaan dengan hutang RM1.5 trilion dengan defisit 5.6%. Jadi saya dengan rakan-rakan Jemaah Menteri memutuskan untuk mentadbir negara dengan baik, hentikan penyelewengan dan rasuah dan amalan sakau serta turunkan kadar hutang dan rendahkan kadar atau defisit belanjawan negara. Tapi insya-Allah kita boleh pertimbangkan dan mungkin kita tidak boleh beri kepada semua sekaligus. Saya cadangkan umpamanya kita luluskan…(pause)

6. Tengah dok fikir. Masalahnya begini, Perdana Menteri setuju, Menteri Kewangan pening kepala. Perdana Menteri dia boleh luluskan tapi Menteri Kewangan kata mana nak cari fulus. Tapi kalau untuk anak-anak belajar, baik di Sekolah Kebangsaan atau sekolah Arab atau sekolah Cina, sekolah Tamil, universiti, kita boleh teruskan dengan baucar RM100, dan untuk tahun ini kita mulakan dari darjah 4 untuk mengurangkan tekanan kepada kewangan Kerajaan, darjah 4 sekolah rendah, sekolah menengah dan universiti serta kolej-kolej, institut perguruan guru dan sebagainya.

7. Tapi saya cadangkan juga kerana bila kita pergi kelonggaran, pelbagai jenis buku dia baca. Jadi kita akan beri juga panduan. Ada buku-buku, novel-novel klasik, ada yang disebut tadi Hang Tuah. Ada novel-novel oleh sasterawan terkemuka, A. Samad Said ataupun Shahnon Ahmad atau Anwar Ridwan. Jadi, ada senarai yang kita usulkan. Kemudian ada judul-judul baru tentang digital. Saya nak anak-anak kita semua faham tentang asas artificial intelligence, kecerdasan buatan. Jadi kita akan anjurkan senarai buku-buku supaya sebahagian daripada wang itu dibeli, digunakan untuk membeli buku-buku yang diusulkan dan sebahagian mungkin kita beri kelonggaran untuk anak-anak memilih sendiri.

8. Mengapa saya sebut begitu? Kerana dalam amalan lalu, buku-buku yang dipilih itu kadang-kadang buku-buku picisan yang tidak bernilai. Selalu saya sebut, dalam ‘Temu Anwar di universiti’ saya sebut, minat belajar dan mencintai ilmu ini sebagaimana yang diungkapkan oleh Saidina Ali bin Abi Talib sebagai ladzatul ma’rifah, maknanya ilmu itu lazat. Memberi minat dan memperkayakan minda. Tetapi ma’rifah maknanya memberikan kita kewarasan, kebijaksanaan dan hikmah kerana kita letakkan tiga (3) kategori.

9. Sekarang ini dunia telah melahirkan pelbagai instrumen dan kemudahan baru. Jadi, percambahan maklumat, mohonlah maklumat, yang baik, yang buruk, yang maaruf, yang mungkar, yang memperkukuh iman, yang menyesatkan semua ada. Itu disebut maklumat. Kategori maklumat itu harus ditentukan sama ada information, maklumat yang bercambah itu berharga atau tidak. Maknanya ada perbedaan. Tingkat kedua, knowledge, Bukan semua maklumat itu ilmu. Ada maklumat hanya maklumat. Ada maklumat masuk kategori ilmu, dan ilmu sepertimana dikupas oleh para ulama dan sarjana ada memberi manfaat dan ada yang tidak memberi manfaat.

10. Sebab itu kita mesti latih anak-anak kita supaya dapat membaca, mencintai ilmu, dapat menentukan mana dia information, mana dia knowledge dan mana dia wisdom. Apa yang dikatakan maklumat, percambahan maklumat yang didapati dari semua buku dan media sosial, ada yang ditambah tahapnya sebagai ilmu, knowledge, dari information jadi knowledge, dari maklumat jadi ilmu dan kita dilatih supaya punyai keupayaan menyaring, menilai yang terbaik yang disebut ilmu ma’rifah ataupun kebijaksanaan atau hikmah yang disebut Jadi ada kategori information, ada knowledge and wisdom. Ada maklumat yang bercambah, ada ilmu dan ada hikmah dan kebijaksanaan.

11. Cabaran kita untuk hidup sebagai manusia dengan nilai akhlak dan etika, di samping itu menggapai dan meneroka alam teknologi digital, AI, pemikiran baru, penemuan baru sehingga dapat ke tahap dari maklumat kepada ilmu dan seterusnya kepada hikmah. Sebab itu tanggungjawab Kementerian dan Kerajaan untuk membimbing, membantu ibu bapa, guru-guru supaya dapat melatih, mendedahkan anak-anak supaya dapat menilai di antara maklumat dan ilmu. Mudah-mudahan tercapai hikmah dan kebijaksanaan atau wisdom.

12. Jadi anak mesti baca. Mesti kita hidupkan budaya iqra’, budaya membaca, budaya mencintai ilmu. Dan saya mahu Malaysia ini Malaysia MADANI memperkasa ekonomi, memperkasa budaya dan mengangkat martabat kita sebagai manusia yang punyai akhlak dan menguasai ilmu.

13. Mudah-mudahan Pesta Buku Antabangsa ini akan menjurus ke arah itu. Tapi berita baiknya ialah baucar. Cuma hari ni tak sempat, jadi yang beli sekarang saya tak tahu. (Pertanyaan ditujukan kepada Menteri Pendidikan dan Menteri Pengajian Tinggi) Macam mana kalau beli hari ini, baucer macam mana boleh pakai? Tak boleh. Jadi kita tunggu pesta buku habis dulu. Bagaimana nak mulakan, kalau esok boleh, YB Fadhlina? Esok boleh siap? Menteri kata boleh. Jadi mulai esok, Menteri Pendidikan Tinggi you kena ada formatnya. Jadi maknanya kalau nak menggunakan baucar itu, saya ingat esok hari Jumaat saya rasa tak sempat kut. Hari Sabtu lah ya? Jadi mulai hari Sabtu, tutup pada Ahad, boleh tak boleh esok petang?

14. Jadi kalau tak boleh pagi esok, minta maaf mungkin petang lepas solat Jumaat kita siapkan. Saya hendak ingatkan supaya kalau buku sastera betul boleh baca, tapi janganlah tinggalkan. Bila kita angkat martabat orang itu jadi Sasterawan Negara, rugi kita (jika tidak dibaca). Maknanya ada erti, bernilai. Jadi bagilah ruang supaya kita dapat menguasai, membaca buku yang bermutu. Kalau bidang artificial intelligence kerana Malaysia ini sekarang melonjak. Tadi Federal Express (FedEx) Chief jumpa saya. Semalam Amazon, minggu lalu Microsoft, pagi tadi Google umum hampir RM9.5 bilion, beli tanah di Selangor dan dijadikan ini pusat pergerakan Google.

15. Saudara, kalau negara luar tunjuk minat dalam bidang digital dan artificial intelligence, anak-anak kita tak tahu apa dia digital dan artificial intelligence, rugi besar kita. Jadi kena ambil juga maklumat ini. Menguasai bahasa dengan baik, mencintai dan berakar kepada budaya kita, tetapi dapat menggapai ilmu baru yang akan menentukan kita dapat meningkat dari segi ekonomi dan pembangunan. Jadi mulai esok insya-Allah, 2 petang kelulusan RM100 bagi darjah 4 ke atas itu akan dimulakan, insya-Allah.

16. Terima kasih sekali lagi saudara Khair dan Menteri-menteri serta saudara-saudari semua. Yang penting dalam Pesta Buku Antarabangsa ini bukan penganjurnya, tetapi yang penting adalah khalayaknya, peminatnya dan pembacanya insya-Allah.

Terima kasih.

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

AN ORATION BY

THE HONOURABLE DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

A FEAST OF CIVILISATIONS: THE LIFE AND MIND OF TOSHIHIKO IZUTSU

24 MAY 2024 (FRIDAY)

AT KEIO UNIVERSITY, JAPAN

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

1. It is with profound gratitude and a deep sense of honour that I am here today at Keio University, a beacon of knowledge and innovation in Japan. 
2. Today, we celebrate the life and contributions of an extraordinary scholar whose work has transcended the boundaries of culture and intellect and left an indelible mark on the global academic, intellectual and philosophical landscape.
3. In fact, Toshihiko Izutsu’s contributions to the world of the intellect, theology and philosophy have been so immense, expansive and multifarious that it is a travesty to attempt to single out his most significant contributions. That’s because his works are so seamlessly interconnected that it’s almost impossible to segregate or compartmentalise them without appearing to have taken an arbitrary position.
4. Nevertheless, with that caveat lodged, there has to be a point of Allow me to begin with Izutsu’s remarkable achievement of translating the Qur’an into Japanese. This is a feat of unparalleled distinction and a testament to his profound linguistic skills, the depth of his erudition and intellect, and without a doubt, the tenacity of his commitment.
5. This task would have proved incredibly daunting due to the Qur’an’s complex linguistic, theological, philosophical, spiritual, and mystical For Muslims, the Qur’an is not merely a text but a divine revelation, and the highest form of revelation at that. It contains layers of meaning that are deeply rooted in the historical and cultural milieu of 7^th century Arabia, and yet not constrained by limitations of time or place.
6. In light of this, Izutsu’s approach to translation involved more than converting Arabic words into Japanese. Here, it would be useful to recall the late German philosopher and culture critic, Walter Benjamin, and his legendary observation on translation:

“True translation is transparent, it does not obscure the original, does not stand in its light, but rather allows pure language, as if strengthened by its own medium, to shine even more fully on the original.”

7. I believe that it is in this vein that Izutsu was able to capture the essence and semantic nuances of the original text, leaning on an intimate understanding of both the Arabic language, the Islamic tradition as well as other Semitic and cognate linguistic cousins. The task enjoined nothing less than profound empathy and adulation for the original, so as to ensure fidelity not only to the letter but also the spirit of the Qur’an.
8. By translating the Qur’an into Japanese, Izutsu made the sacred text accessible to Japanese-speaking readers, and in the process, foster greater cross-cultural This work exemplifies his commitment to bridging cultural and linguistic divides, enabling a deeper appreciation of Islamic thought within the Japanese context. His efforts have significantly contributed to the field of Islamic studies, showcasing the universal relevance and unfathomable depth of the Qur’an.
9. In God and Man in the Qur’an, Izutsu attempts an eclectic exploration of the semantic structure of the Qur’anic weltanschauung. Izutsu’s main argument centres on the premise that the Qur’an creates a weltanschauung that is sui generis through the medium of language, yielding an intrinsic fabric of meaning with semantic structures that could be used to explicate man’s relationship with God. For Izutsu, failure to perceive and comprehend the semantic structures would render it impossible to grasp the Islamic weltanschauung.
10. Forging this Islamic world view, this weltanschauung, is an undertaking that ought to be seen also in the light of his other Qur’anic study, namely, The Ethical Religious Concepts in the Qur’an. Izutsu maintains that through the Qur’an, God enjoins man to act in an ethical way infused within the Islamic moral code, articulated coterminously with explicit devotion to his religious duties. In other words, ethics, morality, and religion are inseparable.
11. Set against the tribal norms, law, and culture of 7^th century Arabia, Islam therefore came as a religion of revolutionary magnitude, introducing the most acute, dire and sweeping religious reforms. For example, in the area of social security, Islam introduced the zakat policy which constitutes a system of codified almsgiving, seen as the precursor to universal government welfare. Likewise, changes were made to the family structure, including on women’s rights, to a society that was largely male dominated and the women treated as chattels. Even more drastic would be the denunciation of aristocratic privileges in favour of a formula that leans towards the creation of a more egalitarian society.
12. Emblematic of Izutsu’s monumental and significant Qur’anic studies is his mastery of semantic analysis, with an exposition of the structure and usage of words, through an approach that is both deep and Being a polyglot par excellence fortified him with the wherewithal to study various religious texts in their original forms, simultaneously.
13. In Izutsu’s reckoning, the Qur’an speaks to us in linguistic binaries which are diagonally opposed and underscore the relationship between God and man, such as, for example, the binary nexus between “to guide” (hadaya) and “to lead astray” (dalala). Under the divine imperative, these words, and many other binary opposites, define the existential conditions under which God’s creations subsist or exist. And if I might humbly add to Izutsu’s exposition, it bears pointing out that language or lisan – literally the tongue – in the Qur’anic semantic paradigm is key to the institution of prophecy, as made clear in Verse 4 of Surah Ibrahim:

“We have not sent a messenger except in the language of his people to clarify the message for them. Then Allah leaves whoever He wills to stray and guides whoever He wills. And He is the Almighty, All- Wise.”

14. “…to stray and guides whoever” that is the classic binary of opposites as mentioned earlier, manifesting a semantic schematic so brilliantly expounded by Izutsu.
15. This leads to the question of free will and choice in the ethical and moral dimensions of man’s actions for the aforementioned passage makes it clear that to be guided or to be astray is entirely up to God’s will.
16. Izutsu delves into this conundrum by setting it against the backdrop of the balance and tension between belief (iman) and unbelief (kufur). Going beyond the confines of legality and ethics, Izutsu posits a broader cosmic balance that postulates that free will remains subservient to the Divine will and that this subservience is a manifestation of man’s alignment with his Creator.
17. Izutsu’s contributions extend far beyond Islamic studies. His work in comparative philosophy, drawing connections between Islamic thought and other global traditions, has highlighted the universal human quest for meaning and By engaging with diverse philosophical and religious perspectives, Izutsu has shown us that the study of one culture or tradition can illuminate the broader human experience, revealing the common threads that bind us all.
18. Central to Izutsu’s approach is his doctrine of empathy in the study of By advocating for an empathetic perspective and urging scholars to understand religious texts from within their own conceptual frameworks, Izutsu paved the way for a more nuanced and respectful approach to cross-cultural dialogue.
19. Relating this in practical terms to the world today, without empathy, prejudice and distrust among follows of different faiths fester and, if unchecked, leads on to hostility and phobias. Coupled with other factors such as politics and ethnocentrism, this lack of empathy gives rise, for example, to Islamophobia.
20. This empathetic lens is particularly relevant in multicultural societies like Malaysia, where diverse religious and cultural communities The empathetic approach calls not just for tolerance but understanding and compassion, so crucial for the fostering of a harmonious and peaceful society. Empathy demands that we listen, learn and understand another religion from the standpoint of those who profess that faith.
21. Unfortunately, we are confronted with insidious challenges such as religious scholars and opportunistic politicians who sow the seeds of suspicion and The ramifications can be seen in the emergence of elitist groups that reject religion all together, waving the banner of secularism instead.
22. In the United States and Europe, this is manifested in the morbid and insidious actions against people who overtly practice their religion, particularly Muslims, denying them their right to observe the strictures as enjoined by their religion. Politicians seize on these opportunities by condoning the discrimination and atrocities committed against minorities in their countries.
23. I believe in Japan while there is greater empathy in the approach towards the study of Buddhism and Christianity, as demonstrated by the level and frequency of dialogues, it would appear that it is somewhat lacking in the case of the approach towards Islam.
24. Which is why I commend this university and express my profound appreciation for inviting me to give this oration. In my humble view, if we are to stay true to the precepts and noble examples of Izutsu, there should be greater dialogue as well between Muslims on the one hand and Buddhists and Christians on the other. 
25. Malaysia just hosted the inaugural international conference of religious leaders early this month where religious and intellectual figures from around the world participated, to forge greater religious understanding and cross-cultural dialogues.
26. True to the pursuit as advocated by Izutsu, empathy is self-evident in Islam as enjoined in the concept of rahmatan lil alamin (mercy to all creations) and the message of peace. As ordained in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it is incumbent on Muslims to be empathetic towards other religions so as to promote and preserve societal harmony. But empathy has to be reciprocal.
27. Just as it is so crucial for Muslims to understand and have compassion for other religions, likewise it is imperative that Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and others have that same empathy for Izutsu.
28. Hence, it is incumbent on religious leaders across the broad spectrum of faiths to preach the message of empathy if the fruits of such an approach are to be reaped in practical terms. Translating ideas into realities in a world fraught with challenges will be a real testament to the teachings of Izutsu.
29. In a world where populism and right wing ethnic or religious extremism prevail, the calls for empathy may not be the easiest and most convenient approach particularly for politicians who want to get re- We are seeing this across the world particularly in Europe and the United States, which is why the imperative for cross-cultural dialogue is more pressing than ever.
30. In this regard, Izutsu’s Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts, exemplifies such a pursuit and By examining the metaphysical and mystical thought systems of Sufism and Taoism, Izutsu discovered shared features and patterns despite their lack of historical connection. This work underscores the potential for trans-historical dialogue, opening new doors in the study of comparative philosophy and mysticism.
31. In the study of comparative religion, detractors would tend to look for points of divergence while advocates would seek points of The latter approach can only be done with empathy. In his Sufism and Taoism, Izutsu calls it “sympathetic intention.”
32. Izutsu’s exploration of the epistemological paradigm and ontological structures in the works of Ibn ‘Arabi and the Taoist thinkers Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu revealed profound Both Sufism and Taoism are based on concepts such as the Absolute Man and the Perfect Man, showing that different cultures can arrive at profound truths at the metaphysical levels through their unique journeys. This comparative analysis highlights the universal aspects of human spirituality and the shared quest for understanding the ultimate reality. Now, what really is ‘reality’?
33. At this juncture, it would be instructive to quote from the great book itself:

“According to Ibn ‘Arabi, however, that kind of ‘reality’ is not reality in the true sense of the word. In other terms, such a thing is not Being (wujud) as it really is. Living as we do in this phenomenal world, Being in its metaphysical reality is no less imperceptible to us than phenomenal things are in their phenomenal reality to a man who is asleep and dreaming of them.”

34. As for concept of the Perfect Man, Izutsu says:

“All men are naturally endowed with the same ontological ‘comprehensiveness’ but not all men are equally conscious of the ‘comprehensiveness’ in themselves. They are variously conscious of it, ranging from the highest degree of lucidity which comes very close to that of the Divine Consciousness of the Names and Attributes, down to the lowest which is practically the same as complete opaqueness. And only at the highest degree of lucidity can the human mind play the role of a ‘polished mirror’. Only at the highest degree of lucidity can Man be the Perfect Man. This is the gist of the whole problem.”

35. As we pay tribute to Toshihiko Izutsu, let us also reflect on the urgent need for civilisational dialogue in our increasingly fragmented world. The rise of obscurantism, bigotry, and intolerance threatens to divide societies and undermine global By promoting empathy, understanding, and respect, we can counter the forces of division and build bridges across cultures, religions, and nations.
36. By fostering a more informed and compassionate global community that looks beyond immediate differences to recognise our shared humanity, we can create a world where cooperation and mutual respect This dialogue is not about erasing our unique identities but about celebrating them as part of a rich, diverse, and interconnected human experience.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

37. Keio University’s rich history of promoting innovative and impactful scholarship provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating and carrying forward Izutsu’s By nurturing scholars who push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to the betterment of society, Keio University continues to honour the vision of its founder and the ideals that inspired Izutsu’s ground-breaking work.
38. As we consider the current global landscape, Izutsu’s emphasis on empathy and dialogue becomes even more In a world fraught with division and misunderstanding, Izutsu’s approach offers not only a way to bridge cultural gaps but also provides the antidote for society to ameliorate the unbridled pursuit of material gain and wealth.
39. In a world lacking in compassion and humanity, bereft of focus on values, and where intellectual pursuit is the exception rather than the rule, society becomes deprived of a moral compass and the upshot is disillusionment, cynicism, scepticism, and angst.
40. As we honour Toshihiko Izutsu’s life and contributions, let us be inspired by his unwavering commitment to intellectual rigour, cross- cultural understanding, the power of language and empathy and most significantly perhaps the primacy of ethics and morality. Let us carry forward his legacy by seeking knowledge that unites us, engaging in meaningful dialogue across boundaries, and working tirelessly to build a world where understanding and empathy triumph over division and intolerance.
41. Izutsu’s life and mind were indeed a feast of civilisations, an example of how the harmonious blending of diverse intellectual traditions can enrich our understanding of ourselves and each other.
42. As we celebrate his legacy and continue to explore the contributions of scholars like him, let us remember that pursuing knowledge is not an end but a means to build a more just, compassionate, and united Let us honour Izutsu’s memory by embracing his spirit of empathy, by seeking to understand before seeking to be understood, and by striving to create a future where the light of wisdom and compassion dispels the darkness of ignorance and hatred.

Thank you.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

BY

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

NIKKEI CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF ASIA

“Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World”

23 MAY 2024 (THURSDAY)

TOKYO, JAPAN

1. Allow me to extend my appreciation to Nikkei, for the honour of addressing such an august gathering of captains of industry, thought leaders, and policymakers. I am truly delighted to be able to share some of my thoughts here on today’s theme of “Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World”.

2. Looking back at the inaugural Nikkei Future of Asia Conference nearly three decades ago, the World Trade Organisation had just been established, marking an era where the foundations of globalisation, multilateralism, and freer international trade seemed unshakable. Asia accounted for merely 28% of global GDP even as geopolitical and regional issues were becoming increasingly important to the world, but Asia was not yet seen as an engine of global growth, governance, and cooperation.

3. Three decades later, much has changed as the engines of the global economy shift Eastward. Asia now accounts for more than 35% of the world’s GDP and has contributed more to growth than any other region over the past decade. Asia’s erstwhile regional issues are now primary global concerns.

4. Unprecedented challenges confront the WTO and globalization as once steadfast ideals of multilateralism and cooperation are swept away by the rising tide of protectionism and closed alliances. Trade, investment, and the sharing of technologies have now been increasingly weaponised by world powers as they compete with each other – largely to the detriment of developing countries.

Distinguished guests,

5. Even as much has changed, some constants remain, such as the centrality of global economic challenges and the ever-looming spectre of uncertainty. Deep-seated anxieties that reach far into the borders and social fabric of nations continue to fester while economic disparities, rapid technological change, and environmental degradation persist to muddy our collective future.

6. Yet, we are confronted with novel challenges more formidable than ever before. Rapid technological change and AI technologies, hold the promise of immense and unfathomable societal benefits but may well be a Faustian bargain raising the spectre of widening digital, social, and economic divides. That may be in the realm of alarmist conjecture but this much is clear: An increase in armed conflict and geopolitical tensions is already undermining international cooperation, diluting global commitments to peace, human rights, and international law.

7. Nevertheless, these seemingly insurmountable challenges enjoin us to seek and forge a renewed vision of Asian leadership. Indeed, as the vagaries of the world grow increasingly turbulent, and the crosswinds of economic and geopolitical shifts threaten to veer us off course, Asia would do well to steady our sails and right our ship. Unlike three decades ago, today, Asia now possesses the economic weight, the strategic capacity, and the collaborative might needed to navigate these challenges.

8. In fact, in recent years Asia has already demonstrated the positive outcomes that can be achieved through connectivity, integration and cooperation, such as mega-regional trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive Partnership for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). RCEP alone involves nearly a third of the world’s exports, population, and GDP – making it the largest trade bloc in the world. Meanwhile, progress with the ASEAN Economic Community has continued apace enabling Southeast Asian economies to deepen their economic integration, contributing to the region’s role as a dynamic and open hub of economic activity.

9. As Malaysia prepares to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN next year, we are committed to continue championing these ideals. On the economic front, our focus will firstly be on strengthening economic cooperation among ASEAN member states. Recent diversification of global supply chains and FDI inflows must create tangible benefits for development while reducing disparities within ASEAN countries. Secondly, we aim to enhance our economic cooperation with our partners from across the globe on advancing technological collaboration and sustainable trade practices.

Ladies and gentlemen,

10. It has become increasingly self-evident that economic policymaking in the 2020s and beyond cannot be divorced from careful consideration of circumstances around three global megatrends: geopolitics, digitalisation and climate change. Hence, Malaysia has recently unveiled three key policy frameworks to provide greater certainty, clarity and transparency on the future of the economy.

11. The first is the Madani Economy framework, which outlines strategies to drive sustainable and inclusive development. At the core is the importance of not just raising the ceiling for real GDP growth in the range of 5.5-6% per annum, but also raising the floor to ensure the fruits of prosperity are shared equitably among all Malaysians.

12. The Madani Economy framework aligns closely with Prime Minister Kishida-san’s New Form of Capitalism policy, underscoring the deep connection and shared aspirations between our countries.

13. The second major policy that Malaysia has introduced is the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 which represents a whole-of-government approach to industrial policy. We have hit the ground running by convening stakeholders from the public and private sectors to chart the way forward for specific strategic sectors, such as semiconductors and steel. The successful implementation of this Plan will allow us to stand on the shoulders of giants in this region and bring us closer to achieving high-income status by the end of this decade.

14. Finally, the National Energy Transition Roadmap is Malaysia’s comprehensive strategy to ensure the country meets its commitment to achieving net zero emissions as early as 2050. This warrants that we operationalise initiatives in energy efficiency, renewable energy, hydrogen, green infrastructure and carbon capture, utilisation and storage to build Malaysia’s climate resilience.

15. These strategic blueprints are indicative of Malaysia’s role in building Asian leadership in the economic, digital and sustainability domains. Indeed, uncertainty abroad has only solidified our resolve to be forward-looking and proactive for the sake of domestic policy certainty and creating a prosperous future for all. Ultimately, ASEAN and its partners hold a collective responsibility to keep our region dynamic, stable and adaptable, and Malaysia supports these efforts wholeheartedly.

Distinguished guests,

16. Malaysia’s vibrant semiconductor industry fortifies our role as a reliable regional partner in manufacturing, trade, and innovation. Malaysia has a robust and mature manufacturing base, especially in the global electronics and electrical industry, being the world’s sixth-largest exporter of semiconductors. As tensions are brewing elsewhere, especially with the imposition of trade restrictions getting more intense in microchips, investors across the world are looking for a safe haven.

17. I dare say that Malaysia fits the bill, thanks to our stability, skilled labour force, and our economic and geopolitical nonalignment. The proof is in the numbers: in 2023, the state of Penang – Malaysia’s semiconductor hub – attracted USD13 billion in FDI, exceeding the total for the previous seven years combined.

18. We are setting our sights on the future through an increasing strategic focus on front-end activities, such as wafer fabrication, the design of integrated circuits and advanced packaging.

19. Truth be told, this could not have been achieved without Japan and our other partners in the region. Etched in our memory is the humble beginnings in Penang during the 1970s, when companies, such as Clarion and Hitachi, were part of the “Eight Samurai” – that is the first wave of E&E manufacturing investment into the country. Active Japanese FDI has been a crucial factor in the success of Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, and this is true even today, with recent large-scale investments coming in from Kaga Electronics and Ferrotec.

20. Meanwhile, Malaysia is continuing to build its capabilities in other sectors in line with our economic complexity trajectory into chemicals, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, the digital economy, electric vehicles, advanced materials and agro-based industries.

21. Further, as the world’s foremost Islamic finance hub and centre for halal trade, Malaysia has consolidated its position as the top Islamic economy for the ninth consecutive year, serving, significantly, as a bridge between East Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.

22. Malaysia’s openness to trade and investment in manufacturing, services and the primary sector alike is reflected in its FDI performance last year, during which the country successfully attracted RM 188 billion in approved foreign investments, a 15% increase compared to 2022.

Ladies and gentlemen,

23. Last year, Prime Minister Kishida and I had two summit meetings in November and December, culminating in the upgrading of our bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also expanded our cooperation into the realm of security, collaborating in the maritime security sphere. All in all, Japan and Malaysia share a common vision for Asia’s future based on stability, connectivity and cooperation in support of a rules-based order, and I am confident that our relations will only grow from strength to strength from now on.

Distinguished guests,

24. In reflecting about the state of the region and the world, I am drawn to a quote from Okakura Kakuzō’s The Book of Tea: “The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings”.

25. According to certain reliable accounts, Kakuzō’s concept of das-in-der-Welt-sein (being-in-the- worldness) as expressed in this phenomenal book, published in 1906, had actually inspired Martin Heidegger’s magnum opus – Sein und Zeit (Being and Time), which was published only in 1927. Considered to be among the most important and influential philosophers of the 20th century, Heidegger, of course, has never mentioned or attributed this huge intellectual debt.

26. Indeed, I digress but the point about Kakuzō’s quote here is that, the art of leadership and governance demands that we adapt to the shifting dynamics of global economic, political, social, and cultural forces of our time.

27. Towards this end, Malaysia will remain dedicated to fostering shared growth, bolstering regional cooperation, and maintaining our openness to trade, development and commerce.

28. To our fellow Asian nations, I extend a hand of solidarity, a pledge of support, and an open invitation for collaboration. We must stand together, allowing neither external force nor insidious competition to pull us away from the larger goal, and that is nothing less than a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Asia.

Thank you.