Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim encourages religious and pondok school students to master new technologies like AI, emphasising its importance alongside morals for modern challenges.
BENTONG: Students from religious schools and pondok institutions are being encouraged to master new technologies as a crucial defence for the Muslim community in Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that alongside strong morals, proficiency in areas like artificial intelligence, digital skills, and computing is essential to face contemporary changes.
He explained that government allocations include training for maahad tahfiz students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
This exposure to new tech is designed to complement, not disrupt, the existing religious syllabus.
“We must accept the reality that change demands that we be prepared as preachers and educators capable of meeting the challenges of the times,” Anwar said at a gathering with over 300 Pahang tahfiz students.
He also praised Pahang for being a leading state in elevating the status of Islamic education in the country.
The Prime Minister reiterated the vital importance of mastering the Malay language and History.
He stressed this understanding allows people to fully appreciate the provisions of the Federal Constitution.
“Our Constitution guarantees the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, Bahasa Melayu as the official language, as well as the position and sovereignty of the Malay Rulers and the special rights of Malays and bumiputera,” he stated.
Anwar said these foundational principles must be taught to children to prevent endless future disputes.
He had previously stated that all schools, including international and religious schools, must offer Bahasa Melayu and History as SPM examination subjects.
The event was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Religious Affairs Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
