Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Harmony Foundation Criticizes Anwar’s Meeting With Kanthapuram
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Kerala and met Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar.
The meeting took place in Kozhikode on September 13.
Kanthapuram had recently made comments saying women should stay at home and not work.
The Harmony Foundation strongly criticized Anwar for meeting him.
The foundation said the visit could make Kanthapuram’s views seem accepted.
Anwar said he did not agree with all of the scholar’s opinions.
Kanthapuram gave Anwar an award during the meeting.
The foundation also raised concerns about Malaysia’s continued handling of preacher Zakir Naik.
Harmony Foundation condemned Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s September 13 meeting with Islamic cleric Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar in Kozhikode.
The foundation said Kanthapuram’s reported remarks advocating women’s confinement at home were misogynistic and incompatible with modern society.
Anwar said he did not agree with all of Kanthapuram’s views, particularly the comments about women remaining at home.
Kanthapuram presented Anwar with the first Excellence Award from the Sheikh Abubacker Foundation during the meeting.
Harmony Foundation also criticized Malaysia’s handling of India’s extradition request for preacher Zakir Naik.
- Who
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Islamic cleric Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, and the Harmony Foundation.
- What
- The Harmony Foundation criticized Anwar’s meeting with Kanthapuram and the award presented to him.
- When
- The meeting took place on September 13 during Anwar’s five-day visit to India.
- Where
- The meeting was held at the Markaz Central Campus in Kozhikode, Kerala.
- Why
- The Harmony Foundation objected to Kanthapuram’s reported views that women should remain at home and not work, and said the meeting appeared to endorse those views.
Harmony Foundation’s Criticism
Anwar Ibrahim’s Position
Meaning of the meeting
Harmony Foundation’s Criticism
Harmony Foundation said Anwar’s visit was a deliberate endorsement and legitimization of Kanthapuram’s regressive views.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Position
Anwar said he did not agree with all of Kanthapuram’s views, especially the remarks about women staying at home.
Views on women’s public roles
Harmony Foundation’s Criticism
The foundation condemned Kanthapuram’s reported comments that women should not work or appear publicly, calling them misogynistic.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Position
The article does not report Kanthapuram directly responding to the criticism or Anwar explaining his broader position on women’s public roles.
Zakir Naik issue
Harmony Foundation’s Criticism
Harmony Foundation argued that Malaysia’s failure to act on India’s extradition request for Zakir Naik showed appeasement toward extremist elements.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Position
The article does not provide a response from the Malaysian government regarding the extradition request.
- Meeting date
- September 13
- Location
- Markaz Central Campus, Kozhikode, Kerala
- Malaysian leader
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
- Cleric
- Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar
- Award
- The first Excellence Award instituted by the Sheikh Abubacker Foundation
- Criticizing organization
- Harmony Foundation
- Other issue raised
- Malaysia’s handling of India’s extradition request for Zakir Naik