Anwar said this was why the government had started initiatives aimed at fostering stronger unity among Muslims, and to ensure greater mutual understanding and harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims in Malaysia.

“This is a prerequisite for developing a sustainable economy, and not just a strong economy, but one that gives comfort and assurance to the poor in the urban, rural and remote areas and other communities which feel marginalised,” he said, according to Bernama.

The prime minister, speaking at the opening of the international Quran recitation assembly, urged Muslims to explore new fields of study, such as energy, digital economy and artificial intelligence, to better prepare themselves for the future.

He added that the government will ensure that nearly 200,000 tahfiz students across the country would be equipped with the technical knowledge in such fields.

“What we seek is understanding and wisdom because narrow-minded thinking will drown us. Besides that, rash and unwise thinking and actions will hinder us (from achieving progress),” he said.