PASIR MAS: The government is committed to creating opportunities for students at pondok (traditional Islamic religious schools) to pursue higher education up to university level, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the move was important to ensure that pondok institutions were not marginalised but instead recognised and strengthened, enabling their students to keep pace with national development without compromising their Islamic scholarly foundations.
Several Islamic scholars had been tasked with formulating proposals to make it happen, he said after performing Maghrib prayers at Madrasah Ar-Rahmaniah Ad-Diniah Pondok Lubuk Tapah here Saturday (Oct 31). Also present was Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Meanwhile, Anwar said pondok institutions served a role beyond religious education, acting as a bastion for safeguarding Islamic faith and strengthening the Muslim community.
He said these institutions also played an important role in preserving religious values, identity and national harmony.
He added that the government would continue to improve the education system and upgrade pondok facilities nationwide to provide a more conducive learning environment for students.
Earlier, Anwar also presented a RM200,000 contribution to Madrasah Ar-Rahmaniah Ad-Diniah Pondok Lubuk Tapah. - Bernama
