A file picture of Anwar shaking hands with China's President Xi Jinping during a courtesy call on March 31, 2023. - Photo: SADIQ ASYRAF / Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia
His trips to China, from day one, have been about Chinese values and philosophy, especially the Confucian mind, and the positive commonalities with Islam. Not many Malaysians are aware that Anwar’s interest in China began after having read the works of Confucius as a student in Penang. Anwar walked around the shady courtyard of the temple immersing in the atmosphere, as he posed questions to Chinese officials, not just about the philosopher but also his disciples such as Mencius.
At the great admiral’s tomb, about 15 km from Nanjing, Anwar became the first Malaysian leader to visit the site, where he offered the al-Fatihah prayers. Anwar wanted the businessmen and newsmen to learn about the values of Chinese philosophers and the success of China - not to think of just investments and the signing of trade agreements.