BUKIT MERTAJAM: Information technology (IT) education will be incorporated into religious schools to better prepare students for the demands of the modern world, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the government had begun introducing IT and digital exposure programmes in religious schools nationwide while maintaining their existing religious curriculum.
Anwar said the effort was part of a broader push to strengthen the country’s education system while ensuring that students in religious institutions were not left behind in technological developments.
“When I met the teachers and religious scholars, I told them we would not interfere with the subjects they teach.
“But I suggested that we add subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, history and IT,” he said when opening Masjid Mengkuang Titi in Permatang Pauh.
Anwar said many students in religious schools were being left behind in digital skills, even as technology became increasingly important in daily life.
“There are about 300,000 to 400,000 students in religious schools.
“We do not disturb their studies, but we add early exposure to IT, digital knowledge and information technology,” he added.
He said religious scholars he met were generally receptive to the proposal, allowing the government to begin rolling out training programmes to introduce this knowledge to students.
The Prime Minister said knowledge remained the foundation of a strong society, warning that shallow understanding in religion, politics or social matters could lead to confusion and division.
“Many of the conflicts and confusion we see today arise from the lack of knowledge. When decisions are made without the foundation of knowledge, it can create division,” he said.
Peace and political stability, Anwar said, were essential for the country to focus on development.
He said Malaysia should be grateful for its stability, especially when many countries were facing conflict and instability.
“We still have problems, but we can address them because the country remains peaceful,” he said.
Anwar said stability and harmony would allow the nation to focus on development, including building institutions such as mosques and school.
