The consolidation of the islamic studies element in the new structure of general studies in private higher learning institutions in Malaysia: a study on islamic medical institutions

The operations of the Private Higher Learning Institutes (IPTS) in Malaysia are under the 1996 Private Study
Institutions Act, known as Act 555 carrying the role of supervising, establishing, registering, managing the
supervision and control of the quality of education provided by the IPTS. Based on the Allocation of Section 43, all
IPTS are required to teach Malaysian Studies and Islamic Studies for Muslim students and Moral Education for non-
Muslim students, all of which are known as Compulsory Subjects, or Mata Pelajaran Wajib (MPW). This MPW is
compulsory for all students and they must pass these subjects as the condition for them to graduate. Thus, after 15
years of its implementation, the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia has revised the structure of MPW to General
Subjects, or Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU). Among the aim of the changes that take place is to improve selfpotential
among students, towards producing holistic students and for both the IPTA and IPTS to have a common
feature. This purpose is met, through philosophical understanding, the comprehension over values and history, the
mastery of human skills, the broadening of knowledge in Malaysia and the applications of human skills. Thus, this
paper seeks to discuss the element of Islamic studies in the MPU’s new structure. The outcome of the discussion
suggests that the element of Islamic studies has been instilled in MPU more extensively towards producing students
who understand good noble values and self-identity by making reference to the Islamic Medical Institutions.