VERBATIM TEXT 

PRIME MINISTER’S ADDRESS

3^RD INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS

KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE (KLCC)

12 JUNE 2026

 

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh dan Salam Sejahtera.

 

Alhamdulillahilladzi anzala ‘ala ‘abdihil-kitaba

Walam yaj’al lahu ‘iwaja

Wa nusalli wa nusallimu ‘ala Rasulihil-Karim,

Wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma’in.

 

Mengadap Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur Lah;

Ampun Tuanku,

Patik dengan penuh takzimnya menjunjung kasih di atas perkenan Duli Tuanku berangkat bercemar duli ke Majlis Perasmian The 3rd International Conference of Religious Leaders 2026.

 

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

And my dear brother, Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Kareem al-Issa, Amirul Shabab who’s attending on behalf of the youth of the world,

YB Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan,

Members of the cabinet,

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.

 

1. Of course, we meet today at a time when the state of the world compels us to forge closer. In last year’s address I remember the consensus of religious leaders taking that responsibility not only to leave it to the political masters to decide the fate, to ensure there’s peace in the world and sanity in place.
2. So, I’m glad that the Rabitat al-Alam al-Islami is taking and continuing this effort to foster understanding and proactive in terms of interfaith engagement. We have here Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, and many others. And this is a remarkable feat. It is quite unique in essence. And I must thank Rabitah for having the confidence to ask Malaysia to continue to host.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

3. Every religion and moral system acknowledges that the passage of time brings with it normative and technological changes within human society and prescribes ways to live with temporal changes in one manner or another.
4. Yet our collective moral conscience is being challenged by the systematic sabotage of the legal and ethical standards. They form the bedrock of global order.
5. Multilateralism is replaced by unilateralism. Peace is replaced by the propensity to continue unabated wars. The plight of the poor, the marginalized have been largely ignored. So, we have to continue to face this challenge and having some little experience in the other governance, I would say that the role of religious leaders remains more relevant than ever. Because you represent the voice of conscience, of reason, of patience, of tolerance (tassamuh), which is in deficit in today’s world.
6. Some call it post-normal times. The definition normalcy by those holding delivers of power, and a tenacious grip on international media is being subverted fundamentally. Wars with wanton killings of women and children are portrayed as nothing unusual. Our young, our youth, our children remain exposed to the sickening scenes of rape, destruction, and human indignity.
7. So, the dehumanization of society and the perpetuation of genocide, be it in Gaza or the continuing bombardments of Lebanon. Ceasefires are declared only to be broken even before the ink has dried. Bombardments are carried out even as negotiations are being held.
8. I remember during the first convening of this summit Sheikh, that was at the heels of the Israel-Gaza war following 7th October 2023. Officially ceasefire has been declared, but in reality the carnage rages on wreaking havoc in Gaza, Lebanon, the Gulf and this tragedy continues unabated.
9. That is why I think, again I reiterate the point of the reference, the relevance having such a conference and the courage and tenacity not only the Rabitah, but the religious leaders to continue to weigh in, exert influence, pressure those who will power and to believe that humanity rests on strong moral and ethical considerations.
10. Malaysia is of course, a trading nation. We have to live the stark reality. We have to engage with all countries. We maintain the best relations with the West and the East. And Malaysia is also a multiracial country. Islam is the religion of the Federation and is guaranteed under the constitution, particularly with the Sultans as heads of the religion in each state of province. But, this is a multiracial country, we exercised our rights, our duties with respect and reference. We want to ensure that every single member in our society, every single citizen feel safe equally protected and we believe that this spirit if consistently followed will be the example for humanity at large.
11. So, we certainly welcome your discourse today as humanity grapples with the challenges of global crisis. A reality fraught with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity that was our collective wisdom, resilience and consensus. More alarming religion which ought to be a wellspring of peace, tranquility, prosperity and cohesion is often politicized and manipulated to fuel hostility.
12. And this of course, a challenge to religious leaders, too. Having said and given all the accolades about your role, your contributions, your sacrifice, please do acknowledge the fact that there have been major transgressions in the name of religion.
13. We are supposed to promote peace, but promote discord instead, which is supposed to promote tolerance and justice, but condone violence and injustice.
14. We look at in the Muslim experience the charter of Madinah, a guiding paradigm, foundation of a state that recognizes religious and racial diversity. The Prophet Muhammad SAW did not marginalize the legitimacy of any group, instead he steered a social contract that preserved dignity of every individual.
15. The peace, Malaysia enjoys today that allows us to have such a such a conference. Welcome by Muslims and non-Muslims in Malaysia and particular, and attended by many their representatives and religious leaders is a clear sign that we can live in peace and religious tolerance and harmony.
16. This of course stems from our openness to interact and dialogue. Last month I attended a major congregation during the Buddhist Wesak celebration. Prior to that, I give the honour of participating in the preparatory work prior to the Hindu Thaipusam. We celebrate Christmas, but doesn’t in any way deter us from remaining a steadfast practicing Muslim proud to be a great Muslim believer.
17. Therefore, our strength lies not in uniformity, but in our capacity to manage differences fairly and justly. There’s nothing quite as impactful as organic intercultural and interreligious discussions and relations, but formal and structured interfaith dialogue like this summit completes the ecosystem of synergistic coexistence.
18. So, thank you again for giving us this rare honour, and thank you again for giving us the hope and the encouragement to continue and pursue this mission. And to Amirul al-Amin, Sheikh Rabitat al-Alam al-Islami, Jazzakallahikhairankatsiran.

 

Assalamulaikumwarahmatullahwabarakatuh.