Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim among world’s 10 most influential Muslim leaders
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been ranked among the top 10 most influential Muslims in the world
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been ranked among the top 10 most influential Muslims in the world, according to the 2026 edition of The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims, published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC) in Amman, Jordan.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, climbed to 10th place from 15th in 2025 and 17th in 2024, The Star reported.
The report traces Anwar’s journey from his student activism at Universiti Malaya to his appointment as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister in November 2022. It describes him as a leader who endured political persecution, imprisonment, and years in opposition before returning to lead the country.
RISSC credited Anwar for his role in easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia after border clashes, describing his diplomacy as instrumental in “building trust between Bangkok and Phnom Penh” and enhancing Malaysia’s image as a regional peace mediator.
The publication also praised his strong stance on Palestine, noting his consistent condemnation of Israeli atrocities in Gaza. Anwar has been outspoken against what he called Meta’s “cowardly” removal of condolence posts for slain Hamas leaders, urging the platform not to yield to Israeli pressure.
His inclusion in the top 10 recognizes his advocacy for social justice, progressive Islamic governance, and Muslim solidarity on the global stage.
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani topped the 2026 list, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto ranked 15th.
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