Kota Kinabalu: Quranic education plays an important role in shaping individuals to be knowledgeable, faithful, possess good character and responsible, in line with the State Government’s efforts to develop quality, principled and competitive human capital.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the State Government has always appreciated the role of Islamic educational institutions, including religious schools, pondok schools and Tahfiz (Islamic school) centres, in shaping the character and identity of the younger generation.
He said Tahfiz education should continue to be strengthened through a comprehensive and balanced approach, not only in Quranic memorisation and religious knowledge, but also encompassing academic knowledge, technology, communication skills, leadership, entrepreneurship, as well as technical and vocational fields.
“We want to develop a generation grounded in the Quran who are not only proficient in memorisation, but also excel academically, possess skills, disciplined and are capable of leading and contributing to society,” he said.
Hajiji said this in his speech at the official opening of the Maahad Tahfiz Sulaimaniyyah (MTS) Taj Fatimah HQ for Sabah and Sarawak Regional headquarters office building at Wisma 7, Taman Sulaman, along Jalan Sulaman, here on Sunday.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih delivered Hajiji’s speech in the event.
Isnin, who represented the Chief Minister, has witnessed a handing over a mock cheque of RM373,000 contributed by Samima Your Office & School Superstore director Hidhayathullla bin Tajudeen to MTS Malaysia Timur representatives – its Chairman of MTS Advisory Committee Samasuddin bin Yusop and its headmaster Ustaz Mustafa Sahinkaya, in the event.
Hajiji said a state’s development should not be measured solely by physical progress and economic growth, but should also include developing people who are knowledgeable, of good character, and steadfast in their religious teachings.
He said a generation educated through the Quran is not only capable of becoming imams, preachers or educators, but also has the potential to become leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and members of society who make significant contributions to the development of the state and country.
Hajiji said the opening of the MTS Sabah and Sarawak Regional Office building marked another important achievement in efforts to expand and strengthen the Maahad Tahfiz Sulaimaniyyah education network in Sabah and Sarawak.
“This building is not merely an administrative centre. It is more than that, it symbolises commitment, dedication and a great aspiration to develop a generation that memorises, understands and lives by the teachings of the Quran in their daily lives,” he said.
Hajiji also encouraged MTS to forge more strategic collaborations with higher learning institutions, government agencies, government-linked companies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector, particularly in curriculum development, teacher training, digital education, technical and vocational skills, entrepreneurship and opportunities for further studies.
He said strong collaborative networks could ensure Tahfiz students have broader educational and career pathways and can become self-reliant in the future.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of good, transparent and professional management of Tahfiz institutions, including compliance with all regulations and guidelines relating to building safety, fire prevention, health, cleanliness and the qualifications of teaching staff.
He said good, transparent and professional management is essential to maintaining the confidence of parents and the community in Tahfiz institutions.
In the context of Sabah’s rich religious, cultural and ethnic diversity, Hajiji said religious educational institutions also have a responsibility to instill the values of moderation, compassion, tolerance and respect for the state’s multiracial and multireligious society.
“Islam teaches its followers to bring mercy, preserve peace and build good relations among fellow human beings. These are the values that must be instilled in students so that they can become ambassadors of the faith through good character, knowledge and deeds,” he said.
