“Malaysia is advancing smart cities under Madani principles, with PM Anwar highlighting Kota Madani and Smart City Kuala Lumpur to boost innovation, sustainability, and cultural identity.”
Kuala Lumpur, 19th September 2025, 01.10pm – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is accelerating its digital transformation journey, with artificial intelligence (AI) and smart city development now becoming a reality through initiatives anchored in Madani principles.
In a statement on Wednesday, Anwar highlighted the development of Kota Madani and Smart City Kuala Lumpur as flagship projects that reflect his administration’s commitment to strengthening economic competitiveness, advancing innovation, and promoting social justice alongside environmental sustainability.
“A smart city guided by Madani values empowers citizens, expands access to opportunities, and ensures that everyone benefits from technological progress,” he said.
However, Anwar stressed that building a successful smart city requires more than technology alone. “A truly smart city must also be inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rich. It should not become a culturally barren concrete jungle,” he said, referencing both the Umran Hadari theory from Islamic scholar Ibnu Khaldun’s Muqaddimah and American writer Mark Twain’s cautionary reflections on urban growth.
He added that Malaysia must ensure its cities are technologically advanced yet rooted in national identity, values, and cultural heritage, aligning modern innovation with long-term community wellbeing.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Madani framework will guide Malaysia’s urban transformation, balancing digital progress with cultural preservation and sustainability goals.
