Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the world is currently struggling more with a lack of leadership clarity rather than a shortage of power, as global geopolitical tensions continue to intensify.
Speaking at the Nikkei Forum on “Navigating Strategic Uncertainty”, Anwar called for stronger international cooperation to tackle rising global challenges, stressing that effective leadership must be guided by clear direction amid uncertainty.
He said leaders of the past understood that while they could not control storms or predict every challenge, they relied on a strong sense of direction to navigate difficulties.
“The sailors of old could not predict every storm. They could not control the currents, nor could they see beyond every horizon. What they possessed was a clear sense of direction,” he said.
Anwar added that the world does not suffer from a lack of power, but rather a lack of clarity, noting that global institutions require reform and renewal instead of abandonment.
He emphasised that cooperation should take precedence over division, while leadership must be proactive rather than passive in addressing global issues.
“If we remain guided by these principles, I earnestly believe we can transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities,” he said.
Anwar’s speech was the opening address at the 31st Nikkei Forum, held under the theme “Working Together for a More Resilient and Prosperous Asia.”
