Govt committed to opening university pathways for ‘pondok’ students, says PM

PASIR MAS, Nov 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged the government's commitment to providing pathways for students from pondok (traditional Islamic religious schools) to access higher education up to the university level. Anwar emphasized that this initiative aimed to prevent marginalization of these institutions and strengthen them instead, allowing their students to progress alongside national development while preserving their Islamic scholarly foundations.

He stated that several Islamic scholars had been assigned to draft proposals for this purpose, following his Maghrib prayer at Madrasah Ar-Rahmaniah Ad-Diniah Pondok Lubuk Tapah.

Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud was among the attendees. Anwar highlighted that pondok institutions served a broader purpose than merely religious education, acting as a crucial bastion for preserving Islamic faith, strengthening the Muslim community, and upholding religious values, identity, and national harmony. He further assured that the government would continue to enhance the education system and improve pondok facilities across the country, aiming to create a more conducive learning environment for students.

Earlier, Anwar presented a contribution of RM200,000 to Madrasah Ar-Rahmaniah Ad-Diniah Pondok Lubuk Tapah.