Kuala Lumpur: The ‘pondok’ institution, known for its religious boarding schools, is poised to become a strategic partner of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in efforts to tackle religious extremism and bolster the understanding of Islam, stated Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He emphasized the institution’s longstanding role as a faith cornerstone within the Muslim community, dating back to the colonial era.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution highlighted the potential for collaboration between KDN, the police, and the pondok institutions. He noted that these institutions could provide valuable insights to clarify societal issues and foster understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. He stressed the importance of such partnerships in strengthening community relationships and enhancing interactions among different religious groups.
The Home Minister made these remarks during his speech at the Fostering of Noble Values with the Home Minister and the Malaysian Prisons Department event. He also pointed out that the pondok institution plays a crucial role in addressing issues related to religion, race, and royalty (3R), which often become overly politicized on social media, causing public concern.
Expressing confidence in the benefits of involving pondok institutions, Saifuddin Nasution underscored the importance of engagement, interaction, and collaboration to achieve significant outcomes. He also discussed the ministry’s initiatives to implement alternative sentencing as a measure to alleviate prison overcrowding across the country.
He elaborated on the current prison situation, noting that with an inmate population of 80,000 surpassing the actual capacity of 72,000, alternative sentencing options such as parole, licensed release, compulsory attendance orders, home detention, and electronic monitoring are being introduced. These measures aim to prevent overcrowding and its associated challenges, including health issues, conflict risks, and strain on prison staff.