Kuala lumpur: Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the Urdu translation of SCRIPT: For a Better Malaysia reflects the shared values of compassion, respect, and progress between Pakistan and Malaysia. He noted that the book, authored by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, serves as a guiding framework for sustainable development and mutual understanding.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shehbaz described SCRIPT as a guiding framework embodying Anwar's MADANI vision of sustainability, mutual respect, care and compassion, innovation, research and development, prosperity and progress, and mutual trust. "And this Urdu translation of the book has been launched today. And these are the great virtues and values which Brother (Anwar) Ibrahim has inked in the SCRIPT. And I think it will speak across the borders and for this generation and coming generations," Shehbaz said at a joint press conference following a bilateral meeting with Anwar.
The meeting coincided with Shehbaz's three-day official visit to Malaysia, invited by Anwar as a reciprocal gesture to Anwar's visit to Pakistan in October 2024, marking the strengthening ties between both nations. During the meeting, Shehbaz presented Anwar with an Urdu version of the book.
Anwar expressed appreciation for the honor and thanked the Pakistan Government for its efforts in promoting closer ties through education and culture. "Thank you again for all these honors, the doctorate you gave and the translation of SCRIPT: For a Better Malaysia into the Urdu language," he said.
Anwar emphasized that such initiatives bolster friendship and intellectual exchange between the two countries, adding that Pakistan's contribution to Islamic scholarship should gain wider international recognition. He highlighted the works of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, including Asrar e-Khudi and Javed Nama, describing them as timeless contributions to Islamic thought.
Anwar further suggested showcasing the documentary on Muhammad Iqbal by Pakistani-American filmmaker Akbar Ahmad to illustrate not only the greatness of Pakistan's first governor-general, Qadir Azam Ali Jinnah (Mohammed Ali Jinnah), but also the foundational ideas and vision for Pakistan.
Published in 2022 before Anwar became Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister, SCRIPT: For a Better Malaysia outlines his vision for a just and united nation through the MADANI framework, emphasizing integrity, social justice, and diversity as foundations for progress.