KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today has called for the construction of Kompleks Sekolah Menengah Integrasi Sains Tahfiz (SMISTA) to be expedited.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the school in Bukit Jalil, Anwar said he was only informed last year that the project, proposed either in 2011 or 2013, had not yet been approved.
"I requested for the approval to be expedited. I do not want the project to be delayed and managed slowly.
"It must be expedited and the report (of the project) must reach my office by next week so that the Finance Ministry can give instructions for the tender process to be accelerated.
"It must undergo the tender process with only eligble contractors (to be given the tender).
"If it's ready (the construction of the school has been completed) and if I'm well, I will come, InsyaAllah," he said in his speech.
Present were the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Anwar stressed the importance of exploring new fields of knowledge while nurturing a strong faith-based education.
He said there is a need for adaptation and progress in an increasingly demanding world.
"It is essential to develop foundational knowledge rooted in religious teachings, but we must also embrace technological advancements and contemporary thought," he said.
Anwar also highlighted the importance of pursuing both religious studies and proficiency in technology and innovation.
"This dual focus is crucial to ensure that our nation does not fall behind in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
"We must master both traditional knowledge and modern technological skills to avoid becoming mere spectators in this fast-paced world," he added.
Meanwhile, on the school complex, construction is set to begin in the second quarter of next year, with completion expected by 2028 for RM70 million, which was approved under the development grant of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
The new school complex would be comprised of administrative blocks and academic blocks including classrooms, workshops, canteen and special rooms; the male dormitory block (288 students) and the female dormitory block (288 students) include two wardens' rooms; a food hall with a capacity of 600 people; a surau that can accommodate up to 450 people at a time; quarters; school hall and other facilities according to the set standards.
SMISTA was established in 2011 to offer religious education with a combination of modern and conventional science education as well as produce huffaz who can balance worldly and ukhrawi life.