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 higher education opportunities, including university-level courses, for students attending pondok institutions, which are traditional Islamic religious schools. He emphasized the importance of not marginalizing these institutions, but rather acknowledging and enhancing them, so that their students can keep up with national development while preserving their Islamic scholarly foundations.

Several Islamic scholars were assigned to draft proposals for this initiative, he stated after leading the Maghrib prayers at Madrasah Ar-Rahmaniah Ad-Diniah Pondok Lubuk Tapah. Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud was also present during the event. Anwar further clarified that pondok institutions are not merely centers for religious education; they also play a crucial role in preserving Islamic faith, strengthening the Muslim community, and maintaining national harmony.

The government is determined to enhance the education system and upgrade pondok facilities across the nation to create a more conducive learning environment for these students. Earlier, Anwar presented a financial contribution of RM200,000 to Madrasah Ar-Rahmaniah Ad-Diniah Pondok Lubuk Tapah.