ALOR GAJAH, Aug 7 (Bernama) — The MADANI Government will continue to ensure that the needs of all communities and education streams in the country are addressed fairly, without marginalising any group, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said assistance for Islamic educational institutions did not mean the government was neglecting vernacular schools, adding that allocations already approved for Chinese and Tamil schools would be announced soon.
“For the country to remain peaceful, we must look after everyone. Many students in pondok schools and tahfiz institutions had long been neglected and received no assistance, so we have increased the allocations.
“Once again, I want to stress that the assistance and programmes for Chinese and Tamil schools have already been scheduled, and the announcement will be made in Kuala Lumpur in about two weeks,” he said when officiating at the Gelombang MADANI Carnival at the Masjid Tanah Sports Complex here today.
Also present were the Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim.
Anwar said the approach reflected the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring that every segment of society received due attention, thereby preserving peace and harmony in the country’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
He said Malaysia remained a successful example of a plural society, with people of different backgrounds living together in mutual respect.
“We are living in peace. Just imagine, there are Chinese, Indians and many Malays here, as well as religious schools and tahfiz institutions, yet we live harmoniously because we respect one another.
“In many other states and countries, this is difficult because of suspicion, hatred, distrust and hostility. In the end, the country becomes the victim,” he said.
On the concept of ‘ummatan wasatan’ in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143, Anwar said Muslims should strive to become a balanced community in terms of faith, knowledge, character and their relationship with fellow human beings and the environment so that they could serve as an example to society.
“If our conduct is good, our morals are good, our country is free from abuse of power and corruption, our relations with fellow Muslims are good, we respect non-Muslims, and we protect our environment instead of destroying our hills and forests indiscriminately, then we are truly balanced.
“That is what makes us an example to others. If people want to see cleanliness, they should look at us. If they want to see integrity and the absence of corruption, they should look at us. If they want to see an efficiently managed country, they should look at us. That is what it means to set a good example, not hatred, hostility or insulting others,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said efforts to strengthen Islamic educational institutions had been stepped up since the formation of the Unity Government after assistance for religious schools had previously been discontinued.
“When I took over in 2022, and the Unity Government was formed, we began restoring assistance in 2023 and increased it further in 2024.
“We are upgrading pondok schools and introducing AI and computer training. Otherwise, while other schools such as Chinese and Tamil schools continue to be well managed, pondok schools would be left behind. That cannot happen,” he said.
At the same event, the Prime Minister announced a total allocation of RM1.29 million to upgrade infrastructure at 13 Islamic educational institutions in Melaka.
Among the recipients were Madrasah Tahfiz Al-Quran Wal Qiraat Kota Melaka (RM250,000), Sekolah Rendah Arab Jabatan Agama Islam Melaka (JAIM) Pernu (RM200,000), Sekolah Menengah Arab JAIM Al-Ahmadiah Al-Syafi’iyah Sayyidina Khadijah, Jasin (RM160,000), Sekolah Agama Rakyat JAIM Durian Tunggal (RM140,000) and Sekolah Agama Rakyat JAIM Taman Maju (RM100,000).
— BERNAMA