Anwar Ibrahim Once Again Named Among World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims, Ranks 13th on 2027 List!

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again been recognised as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims, earning a spot on the latest edition of the annual list.

He became Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister in November 2022 and currently leads the Unity Government under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.

Anwar ranks 13th on ‘World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims’ list

The 2027 edition of The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims placed Anwar at 13th spot, recognising his efforts in driving Malaysia’s digital and economic transformation through the Malaysia MADANI framework.

The publication highlighted key areas of focus under his leadership, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centres, cloud computing and the energy transition. It also noted his emphasis on making the energy transition a key part of Malaysia’s development plans, especially as the country’s demand for energy grows alongside its high-tech infrastructure sector.

Beyond domestic affairs, Anwar was also recognised for his role in promoting peace in Southeast Asia, particularly his diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and build trust between Thailand and Cambodia following their border clashes in July 2025.

The publication further acknowledged Anwar as one of the world’s most vocal leaders in advocating for Palestine, highlighting Malaysia’s continued support for protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.

Anwar’s early activism and political career

The publication also highlighted Anwar’s background beyond politics, including his early involvement in activism as the founder and president of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) in 1971. He later held several Cabinet positions, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in the 1990s.

His contributions to academia were also recognised, with the report noting his stints as a visiting academic at St Antony’s College, Oxford, Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University.

The report further mentioned that Anwar’s meetings with Hamas officials, including its late leader Ismail Haniyeh, drew criticism from several Western countries. However, Anwar stood by his decision, stressing Malaysia’s sovereign right to determine its own foreign policy.

Meanwhile, the top spot in the 2027 edition was shared by:

• Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud
• Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
• Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
• Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!

Also read: Survey: PMX Most Popular Politician in Malaysia with 52% Approval, Zahid Hamidi Places Last with 24%