Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has emphasised the need to make the Quran the foundation in all aspects of life and country governance to raise a spiritually and intellectually balanced generation. He stressed the Quran should shape policymaking, education, and economic strategies, rather than be limited to recitation and memorisation alone.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the challenges of a fast-paced world where technological advancements and economic progress are prevalent, yet moral values are increasingly eroding. He described the Quran as a divine manual for life and a guide for building civilizations, emphasizing its role in connecting humankind to Allah SWT. These remarks were made during the opening of the World Quran Symposium 2025, held in conjunction with the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA) at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, was also present at the event.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, stated that while physical and technological advancements are crucial, Malaysia must focus on nurturing individuals of a Quranic generation with strong faith and noble values. To support this aspiration, the government has implemented initiatives such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Huffaz programme and the Pre-Tahfiz Programme at Community Development Department (KEMAS) preschools. The programme has expanded to over 8,167 KEMAS preschools nationwide, aiming to produce 140,000 young huffaz by 2026.
Additionally, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) supports the aspiration with its ulul albab concept at 57 MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) nationwide. Ahmad Zahid noted that MRSM ranks among the top-performing schools in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, whose results were announced recently.
Regarding the World Quran Symposium, Ahmad Zahid described it as a strategic initiative to strengthen Malaysia’s position in global Islamic discourse. He called on the symposium to serve as a catalyst for a renewed Quranic intellectual movement and a driver of national policy, promoting Malaysia as a center for contemporary Islamic dialogue and a voice of moderation.
The World Quran Symposium 2025 gathered 1,500 participants, including members of the Fatwa Muzakarah Committee, lecturers, university students, syariah experts, ministry representatives, and the public, aiming to strengthen the appreciation of Quranic values in everyday life.