Anwar: Finance Ministry to enhance pondok education system to meet current needs
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move is crucial to ensure students are not only grounded in religious knowledge but also equipped to face contemporary challenges,
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, gave his assurance that the traditional religious syllabus will remain intact. However, it will be complemented with elements such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
'We will not interfere with the existing syllabus of pondok institutions, but we will incorporate new components such as TVET and AI.
'It is not about changing the system, but to complement and enhance it with elements that reflect current demands,' he said during a gathering with staff of the Prime Minister's Department here today.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the government's efforts to strengthen pondok institutions through upgraded infrastructure and an improved curriculum should not be politicised, as they are sincere initiatives to ensure students are not left behind in the national mainstream.
He said the move is made purely in the public interest, without any political agenda.
'Insya-Allah, I will contact Syeikh Wazir Che Awang Al-Makki Hafizahullah (Jabhah Pondok Kelantan deputy chairman) to accept his invitation to visit his pondok. This has nothing to do with politics. We should not be so tied to political views that we fail to recognise the greater good,' he said.
As an example, Anwar said the government had already started efforts to empower huffaz (Quran memorisers) by providing TVET education to 12,500 students in their respective institutions
'This is a significant number. Imagine the impact if this approach continues — it would offer our children greater exposure,' he said.
Anwar also commended the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) and its agencies, led by Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, for organising the 2025 Muzakarah Umara' dan Ulama' Pondok Kebangsaan (UMRAN) and Malaysia Bermunajat programmes last Saturday.
He described both events as important platforms for strengthening ties between religious scholars and national leaders in advancing the MADANI policy framework.
'They also serve as a space to hear the views and advice of the ulama, ensuring that efforts to promote Islamic understanding and activities in the country remain in line with Islamic principles,' he said.
Anwar further stressed the importance of upholding values, ethics, and religious understanding while pursuing technological progress for national development.
'While we aim high and embrace modern technology, we must stay grounded.
'We may reach for the skies and master the latest technologies, but without firm roots in our faith, ethics, culture, and religion, that progress will be hollow,' he said. — BERNAMA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
42 minutes ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (July 21, 2025)
Malaysia: * Dewan Rakyat passes the Consumer Credit Bill * Court of Appeal grants stay for PM Anwar in civil suit proceedings * Nine areas record unhealthy API as of 3pm, July 21 * Wisma Putra yet to receive nomination of Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia * Do not cross the 'red line', Anwar warns foreign powers including US * Trial for Chinese national who allegedly stabbed ex-girlfriend on uni campus * Bring it on, Anwar dares opposition to table no-confidence vote * Raid on Subang Jaya private party nets four suspected drug dealers * MACC to call up 20 more witnesses in RM180mil data centre probe * Penang Development Corp cooperating with police in MBI probe * A-G calls for overhaul of govt's Pre-Qualification procurement process * MACC seizes over RM332mil in assets in major scrap metal smuggling probe * Auditor-General's Report: Three UKM tenders worth over RM50mil did not follow SOP * Rise in 'buy now, pay later' accounts puts vulnerable consumers at risk, says Finance Ministry * Defence white paper mid-term review to be presented to select committee soon, says Mohamed Khaled * Wan Ahmad Farid was sole candidate for Chief Justice, no last minute changes made, says Anwar Water Polo - World Aquatics Championships - Women - Semi Final - Hungary v Spain - OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore - Monday, July 21, 2025; Hungary's Vanda Valyi scores a penalty goal. -- Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su Singapore: * Singapore: Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt * Singapore-Malaysia joint emergency exercise to affect the Tuas second link traffic on July 23 * Early morning bus driver strike causes disruption at Johor-Singapore Causeway * Singapore's Chiral Comics partners Archie Comics for exclusive SG60 book cover * Singapore military helps battle cyberattack:, says minister * Witness stand not arena for humiliation in sex offence cases, Singapore judge reminds lawyers * More stingrays, fewer sharks for sale at Singapore's fishery ports, say researchers * Singapore central bank to place S$1.1bil with asset managers to boost stock market Indonesia: * AFF U-23: 1,620 strong security deployment for heated Indonesia-Malaysia football clash in Jakarta * FIFA maintaining regional office in KL, not moving to Jakarta * Indonesia's Prabowo rolls out first of 80,000 'Red-White' cooperatives to boost economic growth * Indonesian exporters seek to split tariffs with US buyers to ensure demand * Asia shares, yen look past Japan politics as earnings loom * Oil prices little changed as investors eye impact of new sanctions on Russia Artistic Swimming - World Aquatics Championships - Team Technical - World Aquatics Championships Arena, Singapore - Monday, July 21, 2025; Team Thailand performs during preliminaries. -- Photo: REUTERS/Marko DjuricaTPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Thailand: * Thai police uncover two Chinese-led online fraud rings in latest blitz against scammers * Extreme heat waves spark climate emergencies worldwide * Thailand claims Cambodia planted land mines, escalating dispute * Thai land mine claims rejected by Cambodia in escalating dispute * Survey finds Thai public blames monks' misconduct for Buddhism's decline * Thailand's condo market plummets to 16-year low Philippines: * Typhoon Wipha: Philippine govt suspends work and school classes in Metro Manila and other provinces * Philippines' Marcos to meet Trump, hoping to secure trade deal that is favourable to both allied countries * A legend returns - Pacquiao is latest boxer to risk legacy for lure of the ring * Radio journalist killed in southern Philippines * Marcos goal: A trade deal unique to US-Philippine ties * Philippines suspends government work, classes due to heavy rains A man holding an umbrella walks near docked tourist boats, as Typhoon Wipha approaches, at Halong Bay, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, on Monday, July 21, 2025. -- Photo: REUTERS/Thinh Nguyen Vietnam: * Boy's body recovered by rescuers, death toll in Vietnam's Ha Long boat tragedy hits 36 * "It took only a few seconds": survivors recount how a sudden storm drowned dozens in Vietnam * Storm Wipha nears northern Vietnam with heavy rain, strong winds and flood risk * Vietnam, China plan first joint army drill amid US tariffs * Vietnam: Survivor lives to tell his escape from capsized tour boat Myanmar: * Comment: A cautionary tale for Asean from the Middle East * Yet another jade mine collapse in northern Myanmar, two people dead and 20 others trapped inside * Series of aftershocks rattle Mandalay, including 5.5-magnitude tremor * Fire sparked by charging Bluetooth speaker destroys eight homes in central Myanmar A trishaw driver rides as his passenger uses an umbrella to cover themselves from the rain in Yangon on Monday, July 21, 2025. -- Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP Cambodia: * Hun Sen calls Thaksin out, reveals historic role in Thai politics * Landmine dispute escalates tensions between Thailand and Cambodia * Asean disaster simulation exercise begins amid Typhoon Wipha * Cambodia arrests 2,767 online scam suspects Laos: * Typhoon Wipha rips through Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines, damaging homes and infrastructure * Laos on alert as Typhoon Wipha brings torrential rain * Laos to renegotiate power purchase deals in bid to cut bills for home-owners Brunei: * Brunei royalty graces Girl Guides ceremony * Brunei Chinese chamber of commerce holds event on traditional Chinese medicine * 35 arrested in major anti-drug operation in Brunei Artistic Swimming - World Aquatics Championships - Women's Duet Technical Final - World Aquatics Championships Arena, Singapore - Monday, July 21, 2025; Gold medallists Austria's Anna-Maria Alexandri and Eirini-Marina Alexandri pose during the women's duet technical final medal ceremony with silver medallists China's Yanhan Lin and Yanjun Lin and bronze medallists Neutral Athletes B's Mayya Doroshko and Tatiana Gayday. -- Photo: REUTERS/Hollie Adams AseanPlus: * K-pop superstar G-Dragon declares Malaysia 'mantap (superb)' at his two-day sold-out concerts in Bukit Jalil * Malaysia sets sights on regional AI leadership with 2026-2030 action plan, says Gobind * Malaysia, Asean to propose reforming UN veto power of five countries * First day of Dewan Rakyat focuses on post-Asean foreign policy, cost of haj * Sarawak to kick off reforms to make business registrations quicker, easier, Dr Sim announces * 'Musang King is too delicious': HK actor Louis Fan ate 7 durians during 3-day stay in Malaysia * Evidence shows Jeju Air pilots shut off less-damaged engine before crash, source says * Torrential rain leaves at least 18 dead in South Korea, trail of devastation * Disney sues Hong Kong company it says is selling illegal Mickey Mouse jewellery * China stops US commerce employee from leaving, reports say * Can a superalloy method fix aircraft engine woes, even for sixth-gen fighters? * As Trump flip-flops on US academia, China's brightest head back home. Here's why * Asian investors trim US assets amid weak dollar, but full pullback 'difficult' * Nvidia CEO praises China's open-source models as 'very advanced' * In rare gun crime in South Korea, father kills son; bomb found at home * Hong Kong leads stocks higher, yen gains as Ishiba vows to stay * At least 18 dead in South Korea after heavy rains and landslides * Western aid cuts cede ground to China in South-East Asia: study * South Korea reviewing various options to improve North Korea ties * At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus * HK singer Kelly Chen reveals she once considered retiring from music after marriage * Wreck of WWII Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Teruzuki found 83 years after sinking * Exclusive-Trump pledged to save Afghans. But UAE had already sent some evacuees back, cable shows * Ishiba's party members urge him to take responsibility as they face poor showing in Japan's Upper House election * Airbus signs fresh deal with Chinese partner amid talk of massive China order * Trump says Beijing is making 'big steps' in controlling fentanyl * Sri Lanka Catholics seek prosecution of sacked spy chief * Australia's growing algal crisis in south devastates marine life * Israeli fire kills 67 aid seekers in Gaza, medics say, as hunger worsens * Pakistani Islamist militants use drones to target security forces, officials say * China stocks near 2022 high on construction, rare earth gains; Hang Seng tests 25,000 * Badminton - Zii Jia appears fine in first public appearance in China * Cricket - Knee injury ends Reddy's England tour, Arshdeep out of Manchester test
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
‘Pay-as-you-use' mulled at new affordable housing schemes
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (third from left) and housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming (left) looking at a model of the Rumah Bakat Madani project at its launch in Seberang Jaya, Penang, on Saturday. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The housing and local government ministry is exploring a 'pay-as-you-use' model for maintenance fees in future affordable housing developments, as part of housing sector reforms. Its minister, Nga Kor Ming, said this is part of efforts to elevate the real estate industry and promote more equitable access to housing for all Malaysians. Speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW) 2025 today, Nga said the ministry plans to introduce a system that allows residents to pay maintenance fees based on actual usage of shared facilities. 'Under this proposed model, residents will receive access cards that track their monthly usage of shared facilities. 'We are starting with the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative led by Skyworld Pearlmont in Penang, which features a pay-per-use clubhouse with an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, a children's playground and gyms,' Bernama reported him as saying. Nga said the concept will serve as a reference for future public housing projects. 'These projects may also include vertical schools to provide vulnerable communities better access to education,' he said. He said the ministry also plans to engage private sector players to develop industrialised building system facilities, aiming to expand the use of modular construction methods such as prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction.
Focus Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Unity is everyone's job all the time, not just during Unity Week
LAST Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched National Unity Week in Penang. Held on July 17‒20 across the country, it also serves as a prelude to the Merdeka celebrations next month. Sadly, not many people pay attention to the National Unity Week, which was held to help strengthen the bonds between people of different races, religions and regions. It is a reminder of what holds us together as Malaysians. It gives us a moment to pause and reflect on what unity really means. But let us be honest with ourselves. Right now, our state of unity has much room to grow. There is a lot of noise out there. People are arguing more. Social media is filled with insults and antagonism. It feels like we are being pulled apart instead of being brought closer together. At times, it feels like we are losing the sense of mutual respect and trust that once defined Malaysia. We must pause and ask ourselves, why is this happening? One reason is that some quarters find it useful to play on our fears. They bring up race or religion to sow discord. They think this will win them support or votes but what they are really doing is tearing at the fabric of our nation. When leaders choose division over unity, everyone loses. As an elected representative, I believe politicians should stop using race and religion as tools to divide Malaysians. These tactics may bring short-term 'gains', but they cause long-term harm. Our people deserve better. True leadership means building bridges, not burning them. It means putting the country first, even when it is hard. It means having the courage to say no to those who benefit from chaos and fear. Unity cannot be built on slogans alone. It must be built on understanding, empathy, and shared responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in this. First, we must understand that Malaysia has a rich history and a complex social fabric. We come from many traditions and cultures. We speak different languages and practise different faiths. But this is not something to fear. It is something to be cherished. Having the understanding about our collective roots allows us to better navigate the complexity of living in a plural society. It provides context about our surroundings and our place in it. Second, we must learn to put ourselves in the shoes of others. This means listening without judgement. It means asking questions before jumping to conclusions. It means remembering that behind every label is a human being with hopes, fears and dreams. Third, we must stay alert to those who try to manipulate us. Whether through speeches, online comments or viral videos, some people try to provoke anger or hatred. They want to divide us for their own gain. We must not let them succeed. In my constituency in Jementah, I see real unity every day. When floods hit, neighbours of all races come together to help. During festive seasons, families of different backgrounds visit one another. In our neighbourhoods, children from diverse backgrounds play side by side, laugh together and grow up as friends. We look beyond race and religion. This is the Malaysia I know. This is the Malaysia I believe in. We must protect this spirit of togetherness. Not just during Unity Week, but all year round. It should live in how we talk to each other, how we solve problems, and how we teach our children. Let us also be clear. Unity does not mean we must all be the same. It means we must work together even when we are different. It means we must move forward as one, not in separate directions. Malaysia's strength lies in our diversity. But that strength will only show if we choose to stand together. Not just when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Let Unity Week be more than an annual event. We ought to live the spirit of this event every day of the year—in good times and bad. True unity is not tested when everything is going well, but when we face challenges together. It is in those moments that our commitment to one another matters most. Because unity is not the job of the government alone. It is not just the work of schools or community groups. Unity is everyone's job, and it starts with us. ‒ July 21, 2025 Ng Kor Sim is the State Assemblywoman for Jementah. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The Borneo Post
