PASIR MAS: Pondok institutions should be strengthened and upgraded to university level to ensure they remain relevant to the changing needs of society.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the traditional Islamic education system should not be abandoned but adapted to current developments while preserving its role in safeguarding the Muslim community’s faith and character.
He said pondok institutions had long served as a stronghold for the Muslim community, particularly in protecting its faith, moral values and knowledge.
“These institutions can be transformed and improved, but we must ensure their education system progresses to a higher level, including university status.
“We must also master new areas of knowledge, particularly in preaching and education, if we want to move forward and prevent our country from falling behind,” he said.
He was speaking after performing Maghrib prayers with more than 200 residents at Madrasah Ar-Rahmaniah Ad-Diniah near Pondok Lubuk Tapah here.
Anwar said Islamic educational institutions must adapt to changing circumstances while continuing to uphold the principles and guidance of Islamic scholars.
He also urged those involved in managing pondok institutions to make full use of the knowledge taught there and ensure it benefited the wider community.
Anwar is on a one-day visit to Kelantan.
Pondok institutions are traditional Islamic schools in Malaysia that provide religious education, often in a residential setting