Deputy minister says RM100,000 for PAS preschools well deserved


Diyana Ibrahim

De facto deputy minister of religious affairs Ahmad Marzuk Shaary says the Islamic Development Department did not breach any law in handing over money to PAS-owned Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, July 9, 2020.

IT is not wrong for Putrajaya to fund PAS’ preschools, said a cabinet member from the Islamist party.

De facto deputy minister of religious affairs Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) did not breach any law in handing over RM100,000 to Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti). 

The PAS lawmaker said the issue should not be politicised as his ministry provides funds for everyone affected by the Covid-18 pandemic.

“Firstly the musa’adah Covid-19 funding is for those who are affected by the virus regardless of party affiliations. We even give foreigners aid during this time even though it’s not a normal practice, but on a humanitarian basis we give. So why question this?

“It does not go against any law so we allow it,” Marzuk told The Malaysian Insight.

The Pengkalan Chepa MP landed in controversy when he presented RM100,000 from Jakim to Pasti on Monday.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri has jumped to Marzuk’s defence, saying the schools deserved the funding.

Pasti was established by PAS in 1988 to offer Islamic pre-school education. It also serves as an early training academy for future party politicians.

Marzuk said Pasti teachers should be supported because they have volunteered their services for low wages.

“Pasti is a volunteer entity which educates children at an early stage. The teachers get minimal allowance and the funding will ease their burden.

“This should not be politicised because they also have rights. Pasti schools are different from the government preschools which have a proper infrastructure.

“So we should not question the aid given to other educational entities which are in a state of difficulty and need the funding.” – July 9, 2020.


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Comments


  • Agree. Besides funding the preschoolers need to be taught some civic mindedness in keeping their schools, mosques, streets, rivers and beaches clean from rubbish. Don't treat beaches as dumping grounds. After all Islam emphasizes cleanliness. Also cultured Kelantanese please take note and teach your children and yourselves not to throw rubbish indiscriminately

    Posted 3 years ago by Zainuddin Yusoff · Reply

  • How are you going to fill up ECRL with tourists in 5 years if water and pollution problems not solved. Teach the kids and adults basic cleanliness

    Posted 3 years ago by Zainuddin Yusoff · Reply

  • In Parang Puting, Teluk Kitang, Pengkan Chepa near the golf club rubbish is knee deep

    Posted 3 years ago by Zainuddin Yusoff · Reply

  • Surprise ! PASTI recieves money from haram sources as well. Anything goes when your are part of the back door government !

    Posted 3 years ago by Masfaliza masmuda · Reply