KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to fulfil the mandates given to him by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad At-Tayyeb, which includes upholding Islamic ethics in governance.
Anwar said Sheikh Al-Azhar also called for maintaining good relationships among Malaysians, both Muslim and non-Muslim.
He assured that the government would indeed work towards fulfilling this mandate to the best of its capabilities.
"Last night, I was urged to work harder, to earnestly gather the strength of the community, and to ensure a more lenient and positive attitude, mutual respect, and understanding. This includes fostering good relations among Muslims and non-Muslims in our country.
"In fact, he proposed that we take more positive steps to uphold Islamic ethics in engaging with non-Muslim communities in Malaysia and across the Asian region.
"Insha Allah, we will fulfil this mandate to the best of our ability," he said at the Malaysia Madani International Symposium 2024: Islam and Moderation here today.
Sheikh Al-Azhar was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Quranic and Sunnah Studies from the Islamic Science University Malaysia (Usim).
The conferment ceremony was officiated by Usim's pro-chancellor, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz.
This honour recognises Sheikh Ahmad At-Tayyeb's significant role in pioneering paradigm shifts within his field of expertise, Usuluddin.
Al-Imam Al Akbar Sheikh Prof Dr Ahmad At-Tayyeb has been involved in Quranic studies for over 23 years.
He has served in various capacities within the Islamic education sector, including as President of Al-Azhar University for seven years, before being appointed as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif on 19 March 2010, a position he holds to this day.
The conferment ceremony was held in conjunction with the Malaysia Madani International Symposium 2024: Islam and Moderation.
Sheikh Al-Azhar is on a four-day visit until Friday at the invitation of Anwar.
This special visit by Sheikh Al-Azhar, who holds the status of Prime Minister based on the Egyptian Constitution, marks a historic moment in the bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
It also demonstrates the close relationship and cooperation between the two countries in their efforts to develop progressive and dynamic Muslims, according to Wisma Putra.