BENTONG: The development of a nation should not be driven solely by technological and economic progress, but must remain grounded, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Malaysia must embrace new technologies like AI and digital transformation, but progress means little without compassion and care.
Technical experts, including engineers and scientists, cannot achieve balanced, sustainable progress without strong core values, he said.
“We (the government) focus on values, compassion and kindness, rather than on theories and philosophies. Malaysia Madani is built on faith and Islamic principles,” he said during a meet-and-greet with students of KAFA Saidatina Aisyah Religious School yesterday, Bernama reported.
Anwar said faith and conviction are key drivers of development under the Malaysia Madani framework, stressing that, in pursuing modernisation, human capital development and strong character remain a priority in national education.
“In this framework, we uphold it as the foundation of humanity, grounded in faith. That faith shapes character and values, guiding discipline, diligence, the pursuit of knowledge and the commitment to do what is right,” he said.
At the event, the Prime Minister announced an immediate allocation of RM100,000 to upgrade the school.
Anwar also visited the Cure and Care Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) in Karak where he was briefed on the construction, demolition and upgrades of the centre, which is now 92% complete.
The briefing was given by Pahang Public Works director Datuk Hafizah Zakaria and the project contractor’s representatives.
Anwar was accompanied by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
The new RM75mil Puspen Karak project, which includes dormitories, a surau and a dining hall, is expected to be completed by the end of May.
At another event, Anwar said students of religious schools and pondok institutions are encouraged to master new technologies, which are seen as an important bulwark for Muslims in the country.
In addition to morals and proper conduct, he said the mastery of new knowledge such as AI, digital skills and computing is crucial in facing changes and challenges.
“That is why among our allocations is to train maahad tahfiz students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
“We must accept the reality that change demands, that we be prepared as preachers and educators capable of meeting the challenges of the times,” he told a gathering with students of Pahang state tahfiz schools at Masjid Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah yesterday.
The Prime Minister also praised Pahang as one of the states at the forefront in elevating the status of maahad tahfiz and Islamic education in the country.
He reiterated that mastery of the Malay language and History is vital to enable the people to understand and appreciate the Federal Constitution.
“Our Constitution guarantees the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, Bahasa Melayu as the official language, as well as the position and sovereignty of the Malay Rulers and the special rights of Malays and bumiputra... these must be taught to our children.
“Otherwise, even after 60 or 70 years of independence, we will still be arguing over language and special rights, when all these are already enshrined in the Constitution and should not be disputed,” he said.
Anwar had previously said that all schools in the country, including international schools, religious schools and Unified Examination Certificate stream schools, are required to offer Bahasa Melayu and History as subjects for examination at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia level.
