National Islamic Studies System Needs Clearer Policy

KUALA LUMPUR - There should be a clearer policy on Islamic studies in institutes of higher learning which would help produce Islamic academics and professionals.

Chairman of the Council of the Deans of Islamic Studies in the Public Institutes of Higher Learning (IPTA), Prof Emeritus Datuk Mahmood Zuhdi Abd Majid, said a clearer policy on Islamic studies is needed as most graduates in the field were seen as without direction after completing their studies.

"For instance, our country still needs workforce in Islamic banking, but our system of Islamic studies is not capable of producing people who are strong in both areas (banking and Islamic studies)," he told reporters after chairing a roundtable discussion on The Direction of Islamic Studies at the International Islamic Thinking and Civilisation Institute (ISTAC) here today.

Also present was ISTAC Distinguished Professor Tan Sri Mohd Kamal Hassan and the deans of Islamic studies in IPTAs in the country.

Mahmood Zuhdi, who is also ISTAC dean, said the new policy would be formed soon to enable IPTA graduates in Islamic studies to contribute to the country in their areas.