Al-Sultan Abdullah Wants Islamic Institutions In Pahang To Be Empowered Into The Mainstream

KUANTAN, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today expressed hope that maahad tahfiz, madrasah, and pondok schools in the state can be empowered by implementing an educational approach that will bring these institutions into the mainstream.

As the head of Islam in the state, His Royal Highness said that he is responsible for ensuring the existence of a high-quality Islamic education system that produces a generation not only well-versed in religious knowledge but also competitive in facing challenges and meeting current demands, thereby contributing to the state's development.

“I am confident and I believe that we need the development of human resources who are creative and innovative while remaining firm in their Islamic faith and having strong identity based on Ahl Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

“In this context, my vision and mission are to ensure that the students of maahad tahfiz, madrasah, and pondok schools are given equal opportunities to play a direct role in prospering the state.”

Al-Sultan Abdullah said this when opening the Conference of Principals and Operators of Pahang Maahad Tahfiz, Madrasah and Pondok Schools, here today. Also present was Menteri Besar Dato’ Sri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Nevertheless, Al-Sultan Abdullah Al-Sultan Abdullah stated that the establishment and operation of those institutions require a close cooperation from various relevant agencies responsible for ensuring the safety, fire prevention, health, and welfare of the students, to ensure that these institutions can operate smoothly.

“I do not want to see any more fire incidents like those in the past. I was told that between 2017 and 2022, at least six fire incidents involving maahad tahfiz, madrasah, and pondok occurred, mainly caused by electrical wiring issues,” he said.

The ruler also stated that one of the efforts to achieve the goal of empowering these educational institutions is being carried out by the Pahang Council of Islamic Religious and Malay Customs (MUIP) through the establishment of the Institut Ilmu Darul Makmur (IIDM), which has been collaborating with the Pahang Madrasah Association to implement a mandatory curriculum at the foundational level.

“I hope that this IIDM will serve as a catalyst to elevate Pahang as a globally recognised centre of Islamic knowledge and civilization in the 21st century,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, in reference to the new reports that shocked the country involving criminal misconduct and child exploitation linked to Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISBH) charity homes, the Sultan said that he will not allow irresponsible things that tarnish the sanctity of Islam to occur in the state.

“Of late, we have been deluged with news relating to GISBH that shocked the entire nation, and this issue involves children, our children. I pray that this will not happen in Pahang. 

“And I also don't want it to go on. We’ve read enough in the newspaper. But, I want to make a little reminder for all to stay away from this kind of action,” he said.

His Royal Highness said that children are not only assets to their families but also valuable treasures to the nation and society, and the responsibilities of raising them should not be taken lightly. 

“These are the children of the future. I hope we can reflect on this issue and ensure the wellbeing of our children in every madrasah, maahad tahfiz and pondok school is well taken care of,” he added.

On Sept 11, it was reported that 402 children were rescued during police raids dubbed ‘Ops Global’ on 20 children’s homes across Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, linked to GISBH alleged to be exploiting children under the guise of religious charity.

Yesterday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, decreed the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the case.

-- BERNAMA