BUTTERWORTH: Malaysia is one of the few countries that has programmes to uplift Muslims through economic, educational and religious initiatives, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar noted that few countries globally, including Arab and Muslim nations, have governments that organise programmes to uplift the ummah through economic, educational or religious initiatives.
"Make full use of the freedom that we have," he said in his speech during the National-Level Perdana Taddabur programme and Permatang Pauh Madani Women’s Maidah programme held at the Masjid Al Muhajirin Seberang Jaya on Saturday (Aug 28).
Anwar said the government's approach shows that Islamic development can be pursued through education, community programmes and initiatives to deepen understanding of its teachings.
"We (the Federal Government) have approved an additional RM4.6mil this year to upgrade basic infrastructure at 27 Islamic education institutions throughout Penang.
"The allocation is more than double the RM2.11mil provided last year to upgrade 11 Islamic education institutions in the state.
"The allocation will cover projects including the upgrading works for the likes of school buildings, fencing, kindergartens and tahfiz academies," he said.
Anwar said the government is working on strengthening efforts to ensure children can read and understand the Quran as well.
"This includes a house-to-house initiative involving religious teachers in Permatang Pauh.
"The programme has identified children who have yet to master basic Quran reading.
"We do not want to merely complain or be angry about it.
"We want to go down and resolve the problem through teaching," he said.
