ISTANBUL 

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday called for “drawing inspiration from rich past,” to address modern challenges such as climate change and maritime security.

Anwar made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Conference on Cosmopolitanism and Collaboration Across Civilizations in the Indian Ocean, co-organized by Zheng He Forum at the International Islamic University of Malaysia.

“The values we celebrate today—inclusivity, diversity, partnership, and cooperation—have long been the foundations of great civilizations,” Anwar said. “These ideas are central to Malaysia’s Madani framework.”

"The Madani vision draws inspiration from the Constitution of Madinah, one of history’s earliest models of pluralistic governance," Anwar added. Malaysia Madani (Civilized Malaysia) is a policy framework and government slogan launched by Anwar's administration.

“It provided a legal framework for coexistence, justice, and mutual respect among Muslims, Christians, Jews, and others,” he said, adding that “Madani embraces these same principles, emphasizing compassion, economic cooperation, justice, and participatory and consultative governance.”

Anwar highlighted that "these values were exemplified" by the 15th-century maritime voyages of Admiral Zheng He, who served as a major bridge between China and the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

From China to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa, Anwar recalled, Zheng He built relations based on diplomacy, trade, and cultural engagement, engaging with joint ventures with local rulers and promoting a peaceful legacy.

“We must draw inspiration from this rich past to address modern challenges, from climate change and maritime security to sustainability development and technological advancement."

Lauding the ongoing work of the Zheng He Forum as a platform for preserving this legacy, Anwar said "we must forge partnership that advance peace, inclusivity and collective progress."