# Anwar Ibrahim's initiatives for Islamic education

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/anwar-ibrahims-initiatives-for-islamic-education
> Updated: 2026-09-27T16:31:21.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has focused on strengthening Islamic education and the role of religious scholars in Malaysia. On September 24, he announced an allocation of RM3.05 million to support Islamic education in Kedah, specifically earmarking RM2.8 million for infrastructure repairs at 14 institutions and RM250,000 for the implementation of specific religious programs. He emphasized the need to elevate the status of pondok education to ensure national progress is guided by faith and morality.

Following these announcements, the Prime Minister further advocated for the importance of humility in seeking knowledge and the necessity of respecting religious scholars, or ulama. He noted that religious teachers possess a deep understanding of both classical texts and the contemporary challenges faced by society at the grassroots level. Anwar highlighted the historical significance of pondok institutions in preserving identity and called for connecting the younger generation to Islamic knowledge to foster a society built on justice, compassion, and empathy.

On September 27, Anwar reiterated his call for strengthening Islamic religious education to better serve younger generations. He argued that national development should not be measured solely by economic or material progress, but should also be guided by faith, moral character, and a sense of responsibility. However, the government’s decision to direct state resources toward these religious educational institutions has raised concerns regarding a shift toward religious conservatism and the potential undermining of the state’s secular character.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Malaysia to increase support for Islamic religious education

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is promoting increased investment in Islamic religious education, arguing that national progress must be accompanied by faith and moral values.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malaysia-to-increase-support-for-islamic-religious-education

### 2026-09-26: Anwar Ibrahim calls for humility and respect for religious scholars

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged respect for religious scholars and the importance of humility in seeking knowledge during an event in Kedah, emphasizing the role of pondok education in society.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anwar-ibrahim-calls-for-humility-and-respect-for-religious-scholars

### 2026-09-24: Anwar Ibrahim announces funding for Islamic education and addresses royal dispute

PM Anwar Ibrahim announced RM3.05 million for Islamic education in Kedah, addressed the Negeri Sembilan royal dispute, and mourned the passing of his elder brother, Idrus Ibrahim.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/idrus-ibrahim-brother-of-pm-anwar-ibrahim-passes-away

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Cite as: Anwar Ibrahim's initiatives for Islamic education. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/anwar-ibrahims-initiatives-for-islamic-education