RM2 Billion Allocation Shows Madani Govt's Commitment To Upholding Islam - IKIM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The RM2 billion allocation for Islamic affairs, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Budget 2025, underscores the MADANI Government's unwavering commitment to upholding Islam.

Director-general of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), Associate Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil, welcomed the allocation, saying that the funds would be directed toward strengthening key Islamic educational institutions, including ‘pondok,’ tahfiz, and other religious schools.

“This initiative not only fortifies Islamic education but also extends the reach of Islamic teachings within the Malaysian community,” he said.

“Through collaborative efforts, we can nurture a society that is both morally grounded and intellectually enriched, reflecting the vision of Malaysia MADANI, which aligns with the Islamic emphasis on education and lifelong learning.

He further added that the government's plan to utilise the waqf concept to enhance Islamic teachings, particularly through its initiative to print one million copies of the Quran in various languages for global distribution, is a timely and commendable step.

Mohamed Azam expressed hope that this initiative would help dispel misunderstandings about Islam.

“At the same time, we at IKIM will collaborate with other Islamic agencies to support the government's efforts in curbing ideologies that deviate from the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah," he said.

“If such deviant ideologies are not addressed early on, there is a risk they could undermine the unity and harmony of the Muslim community in this country,” he added.

Mohamed Azam emphasised that IKIM fully supports all the government’s efforts to enhance Islamic teachings as outlined in the Budget 2025, including initiatives related to Islamic finance, the empowerment of the waqf concept, and the halal industry.

“IKIM hopes these initiatives will be successfully implemented and bring significant benefits to all Malaysians," he said.

“As an institution dedicated to providing a true understanding of Islam to the public, we wholeheartedly welcome the government's efforts to strengthen and elevate the message of Islam in this country,” he added.

-- BERNAMA