TOKYO — The world is currently facing a shortage of leadership clarity rather than a shortage of power, Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, speaking at the 31st Nikkei Forum. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged countries to renew their commitment to working together. He stressed that strong, effective leadership requires a clear sense of direction to help the world guide itself through mounting political and economic challenges.
To show the main principles of the Prime Minister’s address, his core recommendations for global institutions have been organised into a clear summary,
| Leadership Principle | Practical Application Defined by PM Anwar |
|---|---|
| Clear Direction | Focus on long-term goals instead of trying to control every unpredictable crisis |
| Institutional Reform | Fix and renew international organisations instead of abandoning them |
| Unified Cooperation | Choose partnerships and shared goals over political division |
| Active Initiative | Take bold actions to solve problems instead of giving up to resignation |
Using a historical comparison during his speech, Prime Minister Anwar noted that successful leaders of the past succeeded because they knew exactly where they wanted to go.
“The sailors of old could not predict every storm,” the Prime Minister explained to the forum attendees. “They could not control the currents, nor could they see beyond every horizon. What they possessed was a clear sense of direction.”
Anwar stated that modern global systems do not lack the power or resources to make a difference. Instead, they lack the clarity needed to use that power effectively. He explained that global institutions need real reform and renewal rather than abandonment. He also noted that nations must choose cooperation over deep divisions, and leaders must show active initiative instead of giving up.
“If we remain guided by these principles, I earnestly believe we can transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister’s speech served as the very first item on the official agenda for the 31st Nikkei Forum. The high-level international conference was held this year under the central theme, “Working Together for a More Resilient and Prosperous Asia”.
