Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a strong message at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, urging global leaders to confront injustice while building resilience in the face of economic and technological upheaval.
Speaking to representatives of the world’s largest economies, Anwar reminded the summit that Africa’s painful history of apartheid serves as a reminder of the consequences of tyranny.
He used this context to call for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza, renewed efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan, and a peaceful solution to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Malaysia’s intervention also highlighted ASEAN’s collective experience in navigating political and economic pressures.
Anwar explained how the region has endured tariff shocks, sluggish supply chains, and rapid technological change, stressing that resilience “does not come from isolation, but from integrated policies and predictable regulatory frameworks.”
The Prime Minister warned that the rise of artificial intelligence will reshape global labour markets, creating complex challenges if countries are unprepared.
He urged governments to anticipate the impact of AI rather than react belatedly, noting that failure to prepare could exacerbate inequality and instability.
Fiscal weakness was another key concern raised by Anwar. He pointed out that many nations are spending more on debt servicing than on education, undermining long-term resilience.
“We must invest before the crisis hits, not after,” he said, calling for proactive measures to strengthen economic foundations.
Malaysia, he affirmed, is ready to work with international partners to build a global economy that is open, stable, and fair.
His remarks underscored Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair 2025, positioning the country as a voice for the Global South in advocating justice, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
Observers noted that Anwar’s speech combined moral appeals with pragmatic economic proposals, reflecting Malaysia’s dual focus on values and resilience.
His emphasis on solidarity and fairness resonated with the summit’s theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, hosted under South Africa’s historic presidency of the G20.
