Al-Quran Should Be The Foundation Of Life And Governance - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- 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.

“Today, we live in a fast-paced world where technology advances without boundaries, with an abundance of skyscrapers, and a rapidly advancing economy. Yet behind all this progress, the human soul grows increasingly restless, and morals are eroding, weakening our sense of humanity.

“Here lies the role of the Quran, a divine manual for life, a guide, a code for building civilisations, and above all, a rope that connects humankind to Allah SWT,” he said when opening the World Quran Symposium 2025 in conjunction with the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA) at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre, today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, was also present.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that while physical and technological advancements are essential, Malaysia must also focus on nurturing individuals of a Quranic generation with strong faith, rooted in noble values, who excel in both this world and the hereafter.

To support the aspiration, the government implements various initiatives, including the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Huffaz (Quran memorisers) programme and the Pre-Tahfiz Programme at Community Development Department (KEMAS) preschools.

“Starting with just 100 preschools, the programme has expanded to over 8,167 (KEMAS) preschools nationwide and aims to produce 140,000 young huffaz by 2026,” he said, adding that the aspiration is also supported by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) with its ulul albab (intellectuals with good character) concept at 57 MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) nationwide.

“Alhamdulillah, MRSM ranks among the top-performing schools in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, whose results were announced recently,” he added.

On the World Quran Symposium, Ahmad Zahid said that the programme is more than an intellectual platform that brings together scholars, but a strategic initiative to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading voice in global Islamic discourse.

“The country is emerging as a bridge between intellectual legacy and modern innovation, a centre for contemporary Islamic dialogue and a voice of moderation that upholds principles amid the confusion of the contemporary world.

“Therefore, do not let this symposium end on stage and paper. Let it be the catalyst for a renewed Quranic intellectual movement, a driver of national policy and a unifying force to build Malaysia on the foundation of divine values,” he said.

The World Quran Symposium 2025 brought together 1,500 participants, including members of the Fatwa Muzakarah Committee, lecturers, university students, syariah experts, ministry representatives, and members of the public, with the goal of strengthening the appreciation of Quranic values in everyday life.

-- BERNAMA