Penang is about to see the development of an international Islamic school, which proves that the Pakatan Rakyat government has always upheld the position of Islam in the state, said Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman today.

Mansor added that the proposed school is the brainchild of the Penang Islamic Foundation, with the cooperation of local-based Madrasah Uthmaniah and Madrasah Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiah in Singapore.

"The proposed plot of 4.863 acres in Relau, Sungai Ara will be the first Islamic school in Penang," said Mansor in Permatang Damar Laut today.

"The building of this school is a testimony that Islam in Penang is a priority to the Pakatan Rakyat leadership here," he told a crowd of 100 at the handing-over ceremony of a RM1.075 million cheque to the Sekolah Agama Rakyat Tuan Haji Omar in Batu Maung.

NONE The ceremony was organised by state exco member for Islamic Affairs Abdul Malik Kassim ( left in photo ), while Penang Islamic Affairs Council (MAIPP) president Salleh Man and Penang legislative assembly speaker Abdul Halim Hussein were also in attendance.

Mansor’s remarks come in the wake of continuous allegations by BN, and especially Umno, that the Malay Muslim community in Penang has been marginalised by a DAP-led government.

The accusations had been hurled, despite the fact that the present state government has been increasing financial allocations for the various Islamic activities in the state.

Meanwhile, Mansor also announced that the Penang Islamic Foundation has proposed to set up an Islamic hospital for the state.

The effort to build the medical centre on a 2.5 acre plot of land in Bayan Baru is a joint-venture between the foundation and MAIPP, he said.

"The proposal is in compliance with the syaria. The foundation, of which I am chairperson, has also obtained the agreement with the Jordan Islamic Hospital to act as a consultant for the hospital here," he added.

‘A big impact to Penang’

Mansor claimed that the hospital, which will provide up to 90 beds, will bring about a big impact to the Penang state.

NONE This, he added, shows the depth of the state government's commitment, and their effort towards the development of the Muslim community in Penang.

He notes that the project is also expected to bring in about a RM200 worth of investment to the state.

On the same note, Abdul Malik has said that discussions are already in place for the construction of an Islamic university in Penang.

“We are in talks for a branch campus with the King Saud University in Ridyaah, and initial discussions seem positive," he added.

"The DCM I and I have met with the Al-Azhar University in Egypt as well, and we have established an understanding to begin discussions for an Islamic university here," he said during his speech at the event.