Kota kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced an allocation of RM1.525 million for five pondok schools and tahfiz centres in Sabah to upgrade infrastructure and introduce digital education, including artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasized that this initiative is part of the MADANI government's dedication to enhancing traditional Islamic education while ensuring these institutions stay current with technological advancements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the five institutions benefiting from this allocation are Pondok Pesantren Nurul Ihsan and Pondok Miftahussalam in Sandakan, Pusat Pengajian Tahfiz Al-Quran Babussalam and Pondok Al-Hasyimi in Kudat, and Pondok Fii Dzilalil Quran in Kota Belud. During the MADANI breaking-of-fast event at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Anwar highlighted the necessity for pondok and tahfiz institutions to adapt to global changes, including technological progress and artificial intelligence.
Also present at the event were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. Anwar assured that the government will not interfere with the traditional curriculum of these institutions but recommended that all educational bodies, including religious schools, focus on ensuring students are proficient in Bahasa Melayu and have a solid understanding of the country's history.
He further stated that the government's intention is to complement the existing curriculum with additional elements such as language proficiency, history, digital education, and artificial intelligence. Reflecting on past decisions, Anwar noted that financial assistance to sekolah agama rakyat was halted in 2003 despite their service to a vast number of students nationwide. The current administration has decided to reassess this policy, acknowledging the critical role these institutions play in community education.
Anwar explained that after deliberations with his colleagues, it was clear that ceasing financial support was unwise and that any weaknesses should be addressed while being receptive to the concerns of these educational institutions. Furthermore, Anwar stressed the importance of ensuring national development benefits reach the grassroots level. He called for consideration of basic facilities, such as small restaurants, stalls, and food kiosks, in development plans, noting their significance in serving the majority of the population.