Kuala lumpur: The federal government, particularly through the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), has reiterated its commitment to recognising pondok institutions, madrasahs, and religious schools as vital partners in fostering a nation that integrates physical development with human values. Minister Dr. Zulkifli Hasan highlighted the government's belief that a nation's progress is not solely defined by its economic strength or infrastructure but also by the quality of its people and development guided by human values.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zulkifli expressed the government's dedication to collaborating with state governments, State Islamic Religious Departments, State Islamic Religious Councils, religious authorities, and Islamic educational institutions nationwide. This collaboration aims to ensure that the education system evolves in a structured, high-quality, and relevant manner to meet contemporary needs. His remarks were part of his welcoming address at the 2026 Perak Pondok and Religious Schools Gathering (HIPSA) at Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan Maahad Al-Ummah in Chemor.
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and saw the attendance of Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. In a symbolic gesture of support, Zulkifli presented MADANI Aid Baskets to 12 recipients, representing a total of 250 beneficiaries from the local community.
Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) reported that approximately 3,000 individuals, including members of pondok institutions, religious schools, KAFA teachers, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and local residents, participated in HIPSA 2026. The program commenced with a Bicara Murobbi forum titled "The Role of Religious Scholars and Leaders in Nation Building," featuring speakers such as Kelantan scholar Sheikh Wazir Che Awang Al-Makki, former Perak mufti Datuk Seri Wan Zahidi Wan Teh, and preacher Ustaz Mohamad Saifuddin Abdul Latiff.
YADIM further noted that the event extended its outreach to assist needy families through the distribution of essential food items and the presentation of mock cheques to pondok institutions and religious schools in Perak. Additionally, support was provided for student fee sponsorships and the Fast Track Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia program.
HIPSA 2026 was launched to bolster Islamic educational institutions on an ongoing basis, aligning with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration, which prioritizes people's well-being and human capital development. Through the spirit of MADANI Membantu, YADIM emphasized that the government would ensure continued support reaches pondok communities, KAFA teachers, and grassroots communities that have long been pivotal in Islamic education in the country.