The Muslim community need to focus on unity of the ‘ummah’ by avoiding action that can cause a split, says Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin who is also Education Minister said despite differing political views, religious issues and unity of the ‘ummah’ should be given priority by the Muslim community.
“We appreciate the important role of tok guru at pondoks in spreading Islamic education that determines unity, good ties and the future of Muslims,” he said at ‘Majlis Pemimpin Bersama Minda Pondok at Pondok Al Najmiah, Kampung Tebing, Pengkalan Kubor, near here Tuesday.
Also present were International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, founders of Pondok Al Najmiah Abdullah Saamah.
Muhyiddin said federal government always give priority to development of Muslims by implementing programmes to see Muslims progress and not plagued with poverty and social ills.
“I agree with what the tok guru just said. Islamic education makes leaders and the community focus on making Malaysia a progressive and prosperous nation where the people live in harmony and avoid conflicts.”
He also said the federal government would help find a new site for Pondok Al Najmiah complete with various facilities for the comfort of students.
“I want a safer pondok and sad when reading newspapers on fires that affect the education of students at pondoks.
I don’t want it to happen here and the federal government will help improve conditions in pondoks.”
At the ceremony, Muhyiddin also announced federal government allocation of RM100,000 to each of the five pondoks in Kelantan to restore their condition.