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KUALA LUMPUR – Efforts and initiatives to uphold the status of Islam and empower Muslims in the country will continue to be strengthened under the unity government through various agendas lined up in accordance with the federal constitution.
Senior lecturer at the Research Centre for usuluddin and philosophy, faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Yusri Mohamad Ramli said this is evident through the close cooperation between the Malay rulers and the government in safeguarding the interests of Muslims through the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI).
He said MKI, chaired by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and directly overseen by the Conference of Rulers, with its deputy chairman being Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has been regarded as an authoritative and institutionalised advisory body.
“This demonstrates the close cooperation between the Malay rulers and unity government, which serves as the heart of the people in safeguarding the interests of Muslims and preventing Islam from being politicised and threatened by any party.
“The close collaboration between the monarchy and government signifies the high status of Islam in this country, validating Islam as the official religion of the federation as stated in the constitution,” he said.
Yusri said the government’s commitment to developing Muslims can also be seen through efforts to make tahfiz education mainstream through the National Tahfiz Education Policy Action Plan 2.0, Guidelines for Tahfiz Institution Management, and an additional allocation of RM150 million to registered tahfiz schools and Islamic boarding institutions under the Islamic Development Department.
He said he sees these policies and financial support as an investment in the future of tahfiz education development, which ensures that tahfiz schools operate effectively and provide students more comfortable facilities.
“For decades, tahfiz education has often been considered second-class, and has relied on financial assistance from various parties to manage their operations, which also impacts the comfort and safety of students.
“However, with the government’s focus and attention, tahfiz education is now seen as a driving force to produce more religious experts who possess relevant skills in accordance with current demands, as well as to cultivate scholars guided by Islam,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding chairman Datuk Muhammad Nur Manuty said the unity government is always championing Islamic education, and the prime minister himself had always held knowledge-sharing events, including inviting renowned religious scholars or ulama and intellectuals to Seri Perdana in Putrajaya.
In fact, he said the government had also organised selawat and munajat perdana programmes at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, which was attended by over 15,000 people early this year and deemed successful in fostering closer relationships between the people, leaders, and Islamic scholars.
“The impact of such programmes goes beyond showcasing Islam as a symbol of religion; it also serves as a guide for people to practise in their daily lives, which is the primary goal for Muslims,” he added.
Nur said the government’s commitment to uphold the status of Islam was also reflected in the 2023 budget which saw RM150 million allocated for the maintenance of public religious schools, tahfiz schools, and registered Islamic boarding institutions.
He added that the government had also increased the allowance for 35,000 Kelas Agama dan Fardu Ain teachers by RM100, bringing the total allowance to RM1,100, besides the special aid of RM600 for imam, bilal, tok siak, noja, marbut, and takmir teachers, with an allocation of over RM40 million. – Bernama, June 22, 2023