LIAP #04: RM500k Fund for New School Block MAIP


 

Fund for a New School Block

When I became the Chairman of the Board of Management for Madarah Amir Indra Putera (MAIP) in 1978, the school faced an urgent need for expansion. We required at least 20 additional classrooms to accommodate the growing student population. MAIP, a religious school founded by my late father in 1946, had seen its enrolment surge in the 1970s, forcing us to implement a double-session system—morning and afternoon classes—to manage the overflow.

At the time, my father was homebound, having suffered a stroke that left him unable to move freely. The responsibility of addressing this pressing issue fell entirely on my shoulders at the young age of 26. I was then serving as an engineer with the Public Works Department (PWD) in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Unlike federal government schools, which receive regular funding, MAIP operated under a state agency and had no allocated budget for expansion. The estimated cost for constructing 20 classrooms was around RM500,000—a daunting sum. Fundraising through public donations would take years, during which hundreds of students would continue to struggle with inadequate facilities. I needed a more immediate solution.

Seeking Alternative Funding

Raising funds for school construction was not new to me. I had witnessed my late father tirelessly collect donations, gather construction materials, and mobilize villagers to build MAIP from the ground up. As a child, I had often delivered food and drinks to the volunteers working at the school site. Those experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for community-driven initiatives.

However, given the scale of this project, I knew I had to take a different approach. As a government officer, I was aware that federal funding was available for special projects, including Islamic religious schools and mosques. I decided to reach out to our local UMNO Party Chief and explain the school’s dire need for additional classrooms. Recognizing the political benefits of such a donation, he agreed to assist me.

To my astonishment, he arranged for me to meet with Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, the Minister of Finance, at his residence, Palm Manor, in Kota Bharu. Meeting a minister for the first time was nerve-wracking—I was literally shaking in my shoes. Throughout the discussion, the Party Chief did most of the talking, while I presented the case for the school’s expansion. I explained the technical aspects with confidence, leveraging my experience in education-related projects in Kelantan.

Impressed by our dedication, the Minister accepted an invitation to attend our Parent and Teacher Open Day at MAIP.

Preparing for the Minister’s Visit

Once the visit was confirmed, I threw myself into preparations. I drafted detailed plans for the 20 new classrooms and coordinated with the UMNO Youth Wing to organize a grand welcome. We arranged for 100 motorcycle outriders to escort the Minister from the border of Bachok and Kota Bharu districts. The UMNO Women’s Section mobilized 46 ladies, each carrying trays of Pulut Semangat on their heads—a traditional gesture of honor for distinguished guests.

On the day of his arrival, the Minister was greeted by a sea of 1,000 students and their parents, a sight that visibly pleased him. After a welcoming speech by the school’s Headmaster, I seized the opportunity to present my A1-sized drawings of the proposed classrooms. As I explained the project, he listened intently and finally asked, "How much do you need?"

Barely able to contain my anxiety, I whispered, "RM500,000." It was a significant amount, and I feared my request might be rejected. He nodded, smiled, and said nothing. I held my breath, hoping for the best.

A Dream Fulfilled

When the Minister took the stage for his speech, I hung on to every word. My heart pounded as I awaited his response. He could have easily ignored my request, but to my overwhelming relief, before concluding his speech, he announced the approval of RM500,000 for the construction of 20 classrooms at MAIP.

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. I was overcome with emotion, my eyes welling up with tears of joy. I rushed to shake his hand and express my deepest gratitude. It was a moment I wished my late father could have witnessed—his lifelong dedication to Islamic education finally receiving the support it deserved.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Today, MAIP stands as one of the leading Islamic religious schools in Kelantan, with 1,270 students and 104 teachers. I remain eternally grateful to YBM Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for his generosity and belief in our mission.

My father passed away 41 years ago, but his vision continues to inspire me. Now, my next mission is to raise RM1,000,000 to build a school library for MAIP—a task that will require the same determination and perseverance as before.

So help me God. And that is another project!

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