PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to preserve the peace and harmony that have long defined the country’s multi-ethnic society, saying that aid for different communities should not become a source of division.
Speaking at the opening of the International Islamic Higher Education Convention 2025 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Anwar criticised those who questioned the government’s decision to allocate RM50 million to Chinese vernacular schools, noting that Islamic education received far larger support.
“When we (the government) give RM50 million to Chinese schools, there’s an uproar. They say Anwar has abandoned his religious spirit, only helping Chinese schools. For God’s sake — get your facts right. Not less than RM3 billion goes towards Islamic education alone. So even if we give RM100 million to Chinese schools, what’s the issue? This is a multi-ethnic country, and I want this nation to remain peaceful,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his support for traditional Islamic schools, or *pondok* institutions, while encouraging them to adapt to new educational disciplines to stay relevant. “Artificial intelligence, digital literacy, religious and environmental awareness should be included in the curriculum. If help is needed, we will provide it — such as facilities for computers and AI training,” he said.
Separately, Anwar dismissed suggestions that the government’s decision not to appeal against the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent Special Grant was linked to the upcoming state election.
“The decision has nothing to do with the Sabah polls. We have long been addressing this issue through dialogue and implementation. From RM150 million, it has now increased to RM600 million — a significant rise,” he told reporters after the UKM event.
Anwar said several meetings, including those chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, had been held to resolve matters raised in the court decision. “We have studied the issues highlighted by the court. There have been numerous meetings chaired by Datuk Seri Fadillah, and I have chaired some myself — in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
The government earlier announced that it would not appeal the High Court decision, which recognised Sabah’s constitutional entitlement to the 40 per cent revenue share, and that negotiations with the state government would begin promptly, according to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. - November 13, 2025
