Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan (MAIK) and Modernisation of Malay Education, 1917-1957

Abstract

This article examines the Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan (MAIK) administration of Malay schools in the state of Kelantan from 1917 until the end of British colonial rule in 1957. This involvement is examined through two of its schools,the Maahad Muhammadi (Malay) for boys and Maahad Muhammadi (Malay) for girls. The establishment of MAIK Malay schools is a testament to its professed aims of looking after local welfare,which was not given any attention underBritish colonial rule. MAIK had facedamyriadofchallenges in its administration of Malay schools,whether from within its administration or from outside,especially from Malay schoolsthat were under British control. Based on the qualitative method that involvedthe perusal of primary documents such as MAIK files,MAIK annual reports,journal Pengasuhand British annual reportson Kelantan from the National Archives of Malaysia and other institutions,this study has found thatthe British neglectofMalay education hasmadeMAIKindispensableas the organisation responsible for religious affairs anddefendinglocal customsin the formal education sector ofthe state.With this heavy responsibility, MAIK,specifically through its Malay schools, has providedboth secular and religious education in schools under its jurisdiction.MAIK’s strategy and improvisationshave ensured its schools’continuitydespite competition from the Malay education provided by the colonial government. Through its organisational dynamism, MAIK has enabled itselfto be involved in the planning and transformationof primary education in Kelantan from 1917 until 1957.