- PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during the 24K Huffaz gathering that Islamophobic Western values must not be imported into Malaysia.
- He emphasised that the job of the memorisers of Qur’an was to tackle Islamophobia
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the need for huffaz (Quran memorisers) to be equipped with authentic Islamic teachings to help them confront Islamophobic groups. He noted that Islam in Malaysia is at a crossroads due to these groups, which have tarnished its sanctity.
“That’s why these children (huffaz) continue to be the focus of our practice. (I’m) confident our future is bright. Hold firm to the belief that the message of Islam is the truth, the message of Islam is the message of justice, one that unifies with compassion and love… this is what we must stand for,” he said.
Anwar further highlighted the importance of respecting non-Muslim rights while opposing the importation of Western Islamophobic views. “They should not bring in Western Islamophobic views… cannot speak about Islamophobic views… cannot speak about Islam. So, we must oppose these parties,” he stated.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during the 24K Huffaz Gathering at Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan.
The Prime Minister lauded the gathering as a meaningful platform to unite huffaz and inspire a love for the Quran. He reiterated that the MADANI Government has a clear principle centered on Islamic development. Anwar further noted that the government prioritises the future of hifdh students by offering them more opportunities through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in collaboration with various ministries.
“Why do we need TVET? Because investors are coming. Because Malaysia is the most important platform in Southeast Asia for semiconductors. Then, there is artificial intelligence. We are providing opportunities because we do not want our huffaz to be left behind,” he explained.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was also present at the gathering, which brought together over 24,000 huffaz, including Hifdh students, teachers, and scholars from 1,500 hifdh madrasah under the Gabungan Persatuan Institusi Tahfiz Al-Quran Kebangsaan (PINTA) umbrella. The event, reignited by Ahmad Zahid, aimed to reform future generations by prioritizing Quranic education as a foundational principle.
The objectives of the 24K Huffaz Gathering, themed “Huffaz Tonggak Modal Insan Negara” (Huffaz: Pillars of Human Capital for the Country), include uplifting the status of the Quran, strengthening brotherhood, and empowering generations based on Quranic values for the betterment of society and the nation.
In a Facebook post, Anwar also announced the launch of the Malaysia Hifdh Certificate (STM) 2.0, an enhanced assessment system recognizing those who have memorised all 30 chapters of the Quran. “Hopefully, STM 2.0 will provide better opportunities for the huffaz students to pursue education in line with the demands of the changing times,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded by encouraging huffaz students to pray for the nation’s prosperity and use their memorisation skills to promote Islam as a religion of mercy, advocating for truth, justice, and unity.
