TAIPING, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) has chosen Kampung Pinang in Kamunting near here as an adopted village in an effort to enhance the community's capabilities and village's potential through the Santuni MADANI - One Leader One Village programme.
Its director-general, Prof Madya Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil said IKIM supports the government’s aspirations through programmes by giving access to education, health, economy and security including social issues and others.
"We have two main focus namely the economy and education in Kampung Pinang, and these were among the issues raised in the dialogue session we organised and which attended by officials from various government agencies involved, including community leaders," he said.
Mohamed Azam was interviewed after officiating the Santun MADANI progrmame at the Taman Kamunting Permai Multipurpose Hall, Kampung Pinang, which was also attended by IKIM management and staff.
He said in the economic aspect of asnaf families, for example, IKIM tries to help through cooperation with relevant agencies at the state and federal levels so that these families can break free from the cycle of poverty and ensure that their future generations will no longer be classified as asnaf families.
Meawnhile, several activities were also held during the event including free medical check-ups, discussion forums, lottery draws and a community feast specifically for the villagers, as well as a visit to the At-Tazkiyyah Madrasah Study Centre founded by Ahmad Zaki Ahmad.
Mohamad Azam said these activities involved the distribution of food aid packages to asnaf families, made possible by contributions from Yayasan Takwa Majlis Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP), Nestle and other donors.
"Forum Bicara Ad-Din today was also recorded via TV IKIM and will be aired later on IKIMfm radio which is followed by one million IKIM radio listeners nationwide," he said.
He said the programme provides space for each leader to engage with, guide and lead the community of their birthplace in ensuring the sustainability of local development that is sustainable and inclusive.
"As suggested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, every minister, head of department and government leader should return to their hometowns to help them so that they do not become 'the nut that forgets its skin'."
“We want to cultivate a deeper sense of ownership among leaders towards their origins, in addition to ensuring that the potential of the village itself, including its community, can be maximised through the involvement of leaders with the people," he also said, adding that he hopes such programmes can be implemented on a larger scale next year.
-- BERNAMA
