Anwar calls for greater accountability as global governance faces mounting challenges

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need for greater accountability among those wielding political and economic power during his keynote address at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2026. He urged democratic accountability to extend beyond elections to address failures in governance at both national and international levels.

Anwar highlighted the importance of strengthening global governance to ensure decision-makers are answerable for their consequences. He cited the 1997 Asian financial crisis as an example of how decisions made without considering the impact on ordinary people often had severe repercussions. Anwar also addressed geopolitical, technological, and economic challenges, including the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the use of tariffs as economic pressure tools.

He acknowledged Malaysia's efforts to maintain relationships with various global powers while calling for reforms in multilateral institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Anwar stressed the need for Asean to shape regional developments and resolve differences through negotiations, trade, and investment.

He also stressed that democracy is about practice, not just principle, and shared a lighter moment about his wife's reaction to the Formula One event at the Sepang International Circuit.