KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional promises that the special position of the Bumiputeras and Muslim citizens, as stated in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, will continue to be strengthened without marginalising the other races.
BN stressed that while the position of Islam as the Federal religion will continue to be preserved, the rights and freedom to embrace and practice other religions will still be protected by the government.
Among the highlights in the party’s manifesto is to establish an Al-Quran University to produce more huffaz (scholars who have memorised the Quran), graduates who possess skills not only in memorising the Quran, but are also equipped with expertise in other professional fields.
The coalition aims to produce at least 125,000 huffaz with professional qualifications such as in Science, Mathematics and Engineering.
The existing tahfiz (religious schools) on the other hand will be complemented with the Giat MARA Skills Training Scheme.
BN will also continue to implement the Bumiputera Economic Transformation 2.0 agenda to ensure Bumiputeras play a significant role in the country’s economic development.
Launched by the prime minister in November 2011, the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Roadmap 2.0 sets out six principles of economic transformation, namely market-friendly, need-based, merit-based, transparent, pro-growth and sustainability in order to build a competitive advantage.
Another focus of the party is to ensure Malaysia becomes a leader in the global halal industry with Bumiputeras as the main industry driver.
BN also hopes to establish a committee on the harmonisation of syariah and civil courts and to empower the Syariah Court.
In an effort to improve the Islamic banking system, BN hopes to introduce a syariah-compliant Home Sale and Purchase Agreement by amending schedule H and G of Act 118, the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act.
Several other areas that the party hopes to improve include:
• Restructuring aid to the Orang Asli by constructing infrastructure that improves their quality of life, provides robust economic opportunities and diversifies income sources.
• Increasing the quality of haj and umrah management services as well as the wellbeing of pilgrims.
• Enhancing the role of mosques as activity centres for the Muslim community through the Mosque Transformation Programme.
• The mosque administration and management personnel will be given training and al-Hafiz will receive an increase in allowance.
• Increasing the number of surau that are allowed to hold Friday prayers.
• Establishing a special fund to upgrade the education and safety regulations of religious schools to meet national standards.
• Improving the quality and expertise of stakeholders in Islamic administration such as the imam, fardu ain and kifayah (KAFA) and takmir teachers, religious teachers, syariah officers and Syariah Court judges, an Islamic Training Academy of Malaysia (ALIM) and Syariah Judiciary Academy of Malaysia.
• Providing Arabic Language Intensive Training Courses to assist Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) holders to pass the Imtihan Qabul examination, which is the main requirement for higher education qualification in Arab countries.
• Continuing to support the independence of the Palestinian state and recognising Baitulmaqdis as its official capital.