According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Islamic art and culture should be continuously reinforced under the Madani concept. The Prime Minister stated that the Madani concept is not just aimed at developing the economy, but also at elevating Islamic art and culture as crucial aspects of civilization in the region. Anwar expressed hope that Malaysians, particularly the youth, would take full advantage of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, which showcases the history of Islamic art and culture.
During his speech at the launch of the exhibition ‘A Journey through Islamic Art’ and ‘Alif Lam Ra: Contemporary Muslim Calligraphy’ at the Museum, the Prime Minister also mentioned his request to Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, to further promote the museum as a distinctive attraction. These exhibitions were launched in celebration of the Museum’s silver anniversary, with the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Fahmi, and Museum director Syed Mohamad Albukhary in attendance.
Delivering his congratulations for the Museum’s 25th anniversary, Anwar commended its establishment and the efforts of the museum, including the Albukhary Foundation, which have significantly contributed to the growth and vibrancy of the Islamic art scene in Malaysia. Anwar stated, “It has spread the message of shared heritage to other institutions around the world and has given it more presence. I have lost track of the number of times visitors would ask me about the museum before I had a chance to praise its attractions.”
He emphasized the importance of recording and housing knowledge of Islamic culture, stating, “Whether for Muslims or those of other faiths, knowledge of Islamic culture needs to be recorded and housed as much as the art does.” The Prime Minister’s remarks were reported by Bernama.
