JOHANNESBURG November 22, 2025 – Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a powerful intervention at the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit today, invoking the painful scars of apartheid in the host continent of Africa to urgently call for an end to the “oppression and massacre” in Gaza.
Speaking at the Nasrec Expo Centre during the first African-hosted G20 summit, Anwar told world leaders: “We are gathering in a continent once ravaged by the rotten policy of apartheid, and the wounds left behind are deeply etched. This forms the core of my argument in urging that the tyranny and slaughter in Gaza be halted immediately.”
The Malaysian leader, whose country attended as a guest nation, extended his appeal to resolving the ongoing crisis in Sudan and pursuing a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, emphasising the need for global solidarity in addressing conflicts that continue to inflict widespread suffering.
Anwar shared ASEAN’s regional experiences in navigating political pressures, economic extortion, tariff shocks, sluggish supply chains, and rapid technological shifts. He stressed that resilience emerges not from isolation but from integrated policies and predictable regulatory frameworks.
Highlighting the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, Anwar warned: “The wave of AI will reshape labour markets, and it will become far more complex if nations are unprepared for its onslaught.”
He criticised global fiscal lethargy, noting that many countries spend more on servicing debt than on education, undermining efforts to build true global resilience.
Concluding on a note of cooperation, Anwar affirmed: “We must invest before crises strike, not after. Malaysia is certainly ready to collaborate with all partners and friends to strengthen an open, stable global economy that guarantees fair opportunities for every citizen and human being.”
The remarks come amid a summit overshadowed by absences, including a U.S. boycott and lower-level representation from several major economies. Despite these challenges, leaders pushed forward with discussions on inclusive growth, climate resilience, AI governance, and debt relief for developing nations.
Anwar’s address resonated strongly in a venue symbolising Africa’s rising voice on the global stage, reinforcing Malaysia’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian rights and equitable international policies. The G20 Summit continues tomorrow, with expectations for a leaders’ declaration addressing key global challenges.
