Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the significant influence of Confucian values and philosophical ideas on his personal beliefs and governance approach, in an interview with China Media Group released Friday.
As the prime minister delved into the teachings of Confucius, he emphasized the importance of humanity, balance, and values in maintaining a harmonious society, citing the Analects as a source of wisdom that aligns with his own understanding of life and vision.
"To me, if you read the Analects of Confucius; the strength, of course, is in humanity and in what we do to maintain this equilibrium of a balanced community of Zhongyong, you know, the medium means. If you have the understanding, then you realize there is so much wisdom in the teachings of Confucius. I don't find anything contrary to my understanding of life and vision and humanity. [If] you read, you can realize there is so much focus on values, on character, on integrity, which unfortunately is in deficit in this world, particularly of politics these days," said Anwar.
Anwar emphasized the importance of reciprocity in his governance approach, citing it as a fundamental human principle that guides his commitment to promoting fairness, tolerance, and respect for all nations.
"What is important is, of course, also the principle of reciprocity. It's a very basic human principle, what is right. That's why we reject injustice or preaching hatred or colonialism," he said.
Anwar Ibrahim commended China's approach to foreign aid, noting that it embodies the Confucian values of mutual respect and reciprocity.
"It's not just like an aid program or what they call 'aid imperialism', where they use some form of assistance to control and dictate. We don't find that [from China's assistance]. We request training or education [from China], there was no imposition of any particular policies whether we agree or we differ, but out of respect," he said.
Malaysian PM acknowledges influence of Confucianism in leadership style
