Government to Streamline and Elevate Pondok Institutions, Says PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 19 — The government will assist in streamlining and elevating traditional Islamic religious schools (pondok institutions) across Malaysia by upgrading physical facilities, broadening academic disciplines, and introducing modern fields of study aligned with contemporary needs, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Turath Scholars’ Consultation held in conjunction with the Malaysia Islamic Turath Festival 2026, Anwar stated that selected pondok institutions will be chosen as pioneers to establish new traditions of learning based on their respective specialisations and spiritual disciplines (tarbiah).

The Prime Minister clarified that the government has no intention of dictating the core religious curriculum, leaving academic content to qualified scholars while focusing on institutional support and modernization.

“Since independence in 1957, governments have changed, but this is the first time we are truly assisting,” Anwar said. “I want to emphasise this because many people have raised questions. I will not decide what the (pondok) curriculum is, as it is not my field. I am just proposing how to improve its dignity and position, including through new areas of knowledge and disciplines.”

The event was attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, former Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Prof Dr Ali Jum’ah Muhammad Abdul Wahab, and prominent Moroccan scholar Sheikh Prof Dr Sayyid Idris al-Fasi al-Fihri.

Anwar emphasized that pondok students must be exposed to modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), which he described as a crucial tool for Islamic outreach (da’wah) and community development.

“AI is an important tool for Islamic outreach and the revival of Islam, and AI without a system of ethics and morality can become a problem and a major threat that could ultimately harm us,” he stressed. “There are dangers associated with AI, just as there are with phones and computers. So children in pondok institutions must also be trained to master AI.”

Addressing career prospects, Anwar highlighted that pondok education should offer flexible pathways, acknowledging that while some institutions will focus on producing religious scholars, others should prepare students for fields such as engineering, aviation, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He added that establishing formal pathways to universities is vital to enable interested pondok graduates to enter higher education and contribute meaningfully to the broader public education system.

–NMT