Anwar: Malaysia among few countries openly promoting Islamic development
PIC BY NSTP/AURIS FAQRURAZZI
Malaysia is among the select few nations that openly organize programs to uplift Muslims, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared. The prime minister emphasized the nation's freedom to promote initiatives strengthening Islamic understanding and practice. He stated that not many countries, including Arab and Muslim nations, possess governments openly organizing programs for the ummah's betterment.
Anwar urged Malaysians to maximize the freedom they possess. The government's approach demonstrates that Islamic development can be pursued openly through education, community programs, and initiatives deepening Quranic understanding. This includes the Mushaf Malaysia Madani initiative, undertaken with Yayasan Restu, and efforts to expand Quranic education at the grassroots level.
The government has allocated additional RM4.6 million this year to upgrade basic infrastructure at 27 Islamic education institutions throughout Penang, a decision more than doubling the RM2.11 million provided last year for 11 such institutions in the state. The funds will cover projects such as madrasahs and school buildings upgrading, fencing, kindergartens, and tahfiz academies.
The government is also strengthening efforts to ensure children can read and understand the Quran, including a house-to-house initiative involving religious teachers in Permatang Pauh. Anwar highlighted that while Quranic education has traditionally been a shared responsibility of parents and the community, changing circumstances necessitate greater efforts to prevent children from falling behind.
The Quran, as the foundation of their faith, must be understood and accessible for it to serve as a true example. Malaysia's efforts to promote Quranic understanding extend beyond its borders, with Quran translations produced in various languages and distributed internationally. Anwar also called for harnessing modern technology, including artificial intelligence, in Quranic and Islamic education, stressing that AI must have values rooted in akhlak.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
