PM Anwar vows to strengthen pondok schools, introduce AI and modern fields

PUTRAJAYA, September 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged to enhance pondok institutions, or traditional religious schools, by enhancing their facilities, academic disciplines, and introducing new fields of study relevant to present-day requirements. The Prime Minister highlighted that several pondok institutions would be chosen to pioneer novel learning traditions based on their specialisation and tarbiah or disciplines.

He affirmed that while governments have changed since independence in 1957, this marks the first time the government is actively assisting.

Anwar stressed that he would not prescribe the pondok curriculum, as it falls outside his purview. Instead, he proposed elevating their dignity and status through incorporating new knowledge domains and disciplines. He emphasised the importance of exposing pondok institutions to emerging fields, such as artificial intelligence (AI), which he identified as a potent tool for Islamic outreach and Muslim community development.

However, Anwar cautioned that AI, without ethical and moral grounding, could pose a significant threat. Therefore, children in pondok institutions must receive training in AI mastery alongside religious education.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the diverse educational pathways students in pondok institutions pursue, stating that not all institutions aim to produce religious scholars. He proposed that institutions could focus on engineering, piloting, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), or other fields, provided they possess a solid religious foundation.

Furthermore, Anwar advocated for integrating university pathways for pondok graduates to contribute to the public education system, noting that their influence on the educational landscape should not be overlooked.