ALOR GAJAH: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged for more Maahad Tahfiz (religious schools) to be built by state governments, the private sector and individuals around the country.
He said such an initiative must be encouraged once efforts are made to standardize the curriculum for all Maahad Tahfiz in the country.
However, he added that such an initiative should not interfere with Islamic matters, which are the prerogative of the various state governments.
"I just want to urge all state authorities to look into this matter," he said at the Huffaz Aqso 2015 Graduation at SM Imtiaz Ulul Albab in Masjid Tanah near here today.
He said Jakim and the Education Ministry could lead the effort to come out with the curriculum standardisation which is meant to produce better quality Huffaz (students who memorise the Quran).
Zahid, who is founder and patron of SM Imtiaz Ulul Albab also said excellent students of the school can apply to enrol in the top 20 universities in the world after their SPM examinations.
He said the matter was made possible with the assistance of Help University founder and vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Paul T.H Chan.
The Huffaz Aqso 2015 program involved the participation of 76 Form Two students of the school, who memorised all the 30 "juzuk" or chapters of the Quran within three months
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Zahid later presented certificates to all the 76 students who managed to complete the program.