Upholding Islam

72. Islam promotes the unification of believers. Unity is crucial to the peace and stability of the nation, which is a prerequisite to enable the nation to continue to progress and develop, thereby allowing the benefits to be enjoyed by all segments of society. However, it is unfortunate that there exists among us a group who claims to be the leaders of Islam as ad-Din and promotes division among its followers. While the Government is fostering unity among the various races, there are certain quarters that are actively spreading rumours and lies to sow the seeds of hatred in society.

73. The Government will endeavour to change the narrow view towards Islam and promote the assimilation of good Islamic values which can guide us in our lives both in this world and the thereafter. In line with this, the Government will continue its efforts in enhancing the development and appreciation of Islamic values among its believers.

74. To achieve the objective of developing together with Islam, the Government has allocated a sum of 204.79 million ringgit through Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) to undertake various integrated development programmes. Among others, are programmes to develop the family institution and social services, improving understanding and appreciation of Islam, religious school education and Al Quran and Fardhu Ain classes, the production of Islamic education programmes for radio, television and print media

as well as faith renewal programmes. JAKIM will also endeavour to develop the economy of the Islamic society through coordination and cooperation with the Councils and Islamic Departments at the state level to develop wakaf lands as well as upgrade and develop baitulmal activities.

75. The Government will also provide an allocation under the Ministry of Education of 67.25 million ringgit to conduct Islamic and moral education management programmes. An allocation under the Prime Minister’s Department totalling 51.34 million ringgit is provided for building and renovation of mosques, religious schools, Islamic and missionary training centres and the second phase of Kompleks Darul Quran. 

Caring Society

76. In our efforts to enhance the nation’s economic development and progress, the quality of life of the less fortunate will not be neglected. In order to support the welfare of the disabled, elderly, orphans and abandoned children, the Government has allocated a sum of 185 million ringgit. In addition, I further purpose that disabled persons be given the following assistance:

i. full exemptions on all medical fees at government hospitals;

ii. full exemptions on fees on travel documents;

iii. 50 per cent exemption on excise duty on national car and motorcycle purchased by physically handicapped persons; and

iv. import duty and sales tax exemptions on all equipment, specifically designed for use by disabled persons.

77. In education, the hearing and visually impaired will have access to special vocational secondary schools offering subjects including graphics, music, carpentry, entrepreneurship and physiotherapy. This programme with an allocation of 29.8 million ringgit is expected to provide greater career opportunities for this group.

78. In recognition of the services and sacrifices of civil servants, I propose that the benefits provided under the Ex-gratia Scheme for civil servants be reviewed to match the benefits under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Benefits Scheme. In this regard, a Government servant who is injured and for example loses two of his fingers will be compensated with a sum of 40 thousand ringgit as provided in the SOCSO scheme, compared with only four thousand ringgit in the present Ex-gratia Scheme. This measure is intended to lessen their financial burden as well as that  of their dependants, in the case of accidents at the workplace. This facility will also provide coverage for Government servants under

contract and temporary schemes.

79. The Government is concerned with the difficulties of the lower income category in financing their children’s education. The Government is presently providing financial assistance to students from lower income families through the textbooks assistance scheme, supplementary food aid, placement in hostels and scholarships. These programmes will continue to be implemented. 

80. Presently, the Federal Minor Scholarship Scheme is given to high achievers as well as students from the lower income group from forms one to five and the Pre-University Scholarship Scheme is provided for form six students. I propose that the amount for both the scholarships be increased by 100 per cent. MARA’s scholarships and loans for students studying in local institutions will also be adjusted to match those of the Public Services Department. This increase is expected to encourage students to excel in their academic performance. In addition, children from poor families will not have to drop out on account of financial difficulties. The Government has also agreed to increase the number of outstanding students under MARA sponsorship from 200 to 400 students per year to well-established universities abroad beginning year 2001.

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