Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said he does not agree with all the views of Kerala-based Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, ahead of their meeting in Kozhikode on Sunday.

Ibrahim is on a five-day visit to India and has already participated in the ongoing BRICS 2026 proceedings. He is scheduled to meet Kanthapuram during his visit to Kerala on Sunday.

Speaking to NDTV in New Delhi, the Malaysian Prime Minister described Kanthapuram as a traditional religious scholar who has contributed to the understanding of the Quran, religious traditions and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

“[He is] a traditional religious scholar who has contribution in understanding the religious text, the Quran, the tradition, the Prophet; who is a great teacher in many ways. But we certainly do not necessarily share all his views,” Ibrahim said.

He said he had conveyed the same position to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“You don't necessarily agree with all scholars, and you don't necessarily agree with all prime ministers or presidents,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim stressed that Malaysia guarantees equal rights for women.

He referred to institutions run by Kanthapuram, including a nursing college, and noted that women who graduate from such institutions work in hospitals.

However, Ibrahim said he would make Malaysia's position clear if the cleric asked him about women's rights.

“No, in Malaysia, we have equal rights for the women,” he said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister also pointed to the country's higher number of female university students. He said his wife is a doctor and that his daughters have full freedom to pursue education.

Kanthapuram's remarks on women spark controversy

Kanthapuram recently faced criticism over remarks on the role of women in public life. He had said that bringing women onto public platforms would lead to “great destruction” and that “women should remain confined within their homes”.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan criticised the remarks, describing them as an idea from the 19th century.

Kanthapuram later clarified that he did not advocate burying women or confining them. He said women receive education and opportunities.

However, he maintained that Allah's Shariat would continue to be proclaimed despite opposition.