Govt Agrees To Provide Additional Funding For Quran Translation - PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 8  (Bernama) -- The government will provide additional funding to Yayasan Restu to support its effort to translate the Quran into 30 more languages, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the initiative,  which most recently saw the Quran translated into Russian, builds on the foundation’s existing work of producing translations in 30 languages, further expanding the reach of the Quran’s universal message worldwide.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the move would strengthen Malaysia's position as one of the world’s leading Quran producers alongside Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while cementing its role as a regional leader in this field.

“Every country I visit, whether it’s Peru, Brazil, Cambodia, Laos, China or Russia, I never fail to bring a translated Quran to present to the government, an Islamic centre, or the local mosque,” he said at the launch of the 30th Quran printing and translation (in Russian), the Mushaf Ummah al-Jami’, and the flag-off ceremony for a container shipment of the Quran abroad here today.

He said the initiative is in line with the MADANI government’s approach, which emphasises the wise dissemination of da’wah based on knowledge and understanding, as a means to counter prejudice and Islamophobia at the international level.

With the additional funding, Yayasan Restu, led by its executive chairman and Nasyrul Quran chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Latiff Mirasa, aims to increase the number of Quran translations to 60 languages within the next three years.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the Mushaf MADANI, expected to be launched in Ramadan next year, is inspired by his experience in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he saw Quranic manuscripts adorned with local artistic motifs from various regions in the country.

He said this approach not only reflects the universal message of the Quran but also honours elements of cultural heritage that do not contradict the spirit of the Holy Book.

“I was at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta during the time of President Soeharto, and I saw Qurans featuring local artistic motifs from various regions such as Minang, Palembang, Javanese, Batak and Sunda. All of these show the universal message of the Quran,” Anwar said.

On the translation efforts, Anwar expressed his appreciation to all parties involved, especially Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, for sustaining the project during periods when he was not in government.

“With the continued support of the MADANI government, we are confident this noble mission will reach greater heights, benefiting not only Muslims but humanity as a whole,” he said.

-- BERNAMA