KUALA TERENGGANU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today announced a RM2.5 million allocation for the development of the 'pondok' schools institution in the country.
From the total, RM500,000 will be given as immediate aid under the 'Tabung Kasih Perdana Menteri’. The remaining RM2 million will be disbursed as a grant to the Malaysian Pondok Development Foundation (YPPM).
The prime minister said this reflected the government's commitment towards upholding the pondok institution.
“I approve the allocation of RM2 million in grant for YPPM to continue research on the pondok institution in the country, besides reviving the operation of YPPM’s social media,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Ijtimak Pondok 2016 at Universiti Terengganu Malaysia here today.
Also present were Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, YPPM executive chairman Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim and UMT vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar.
Najib said the Federal government will continue to support the pondok institution financially as the latter is still relevant in upholding the sovereignty of Islamic education.
He gave his assurance that the traditional education system would not be marginalised regardless whether the pondok schools are registered with the Education Ministry or otherwise.
Efforts, he said, should be taken to formalise the education system which had been instrumental in producing and uniting Islamic followers.
"There is still room for improvement for all pondok schools in the country. I hope YPPM will be creative in devising measures to improve the pondok education system," he said.
Commenting on the achievements of pondok schools, Najib said students from the education system were generally better in memorising verses from the Al-Quran, and were known for their good behaviour.
He said pondok education was successful because many of the teachers were committed and sincere in their duty in disseminating knowledge to students without being too calculative of their salary.
"Pondok school teachers are the icon of their students. They shape not only their future, but also the surrounding community.
"It is my hope the pondok education will not fade away with time," he added.