Malaysia's Deputy PM Pushes for Islamic Ethics in National Education Reform
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for major changes to Malaysia’s education system. He wants stronger Islamic religious teaching and moral development in mainstream schools. His proposals include new subjects, a national council, and a broader vision for students’ futures. Speaking recently, Zahid stressed that education must do more than teach facts. It should shape character, ethics, discipline, patriotism, and respect for parents. He warned that knowledge without moral values leaves society empty.
He proposed making ethics and character education a compulsory subject at every school level. The aim is to build a ‘knowledge society’ where learning drives national progress. Zahid also wants to transform tahfiz education. His goal is to produce Huffaz who are not just Quran memorisers but also professionals—engineers, doctors, technocrats, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. He even hopes to see a prime minister who is a Hafiz of the Quran. To improve Islamic and tahfiz schooling nationwide, he suggested creating a National Tahfiz Council. This body would coordinate standards and raise education quality. The proposal will soon go before the Cabinet for approval.
If approved, the changes would reshape Malaysia’s education priorities. Schools would focus more on ethics, character, and Islamic learning. The plan also seeks to create a generation of skilled professionals who are deeply rooted in religious knowledge.
