Rich may no longer enjoy subsidised education, says PM
Ahead of the presentation of Budget 2025, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signalled that the government is examining the distribution of education subsidies to the people.
Speaking in Putrajaya today, Anwar said that the government wants to ensure that such subsidies are channelled to those who really deserve them.
Ahead of the presentation of Budget 2025, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signalled that the government is examining the distribution of education subsidies to the people.
Speaking in Putrajaya today, Anwar said that the government wants to ensure that such subsidies are channelled to those who really deserve them.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, explained that subsidies in the education sector are currently enjoyed by the elite and the wealthy.
“As far as I understand, there are children of the rich who enjoy educational facilities funded by the government, compared to those children of the poor.
“What should we do? This form of leakage, including the children of those from the wealthiest groups going to secondary schools aided and highly subsidised by the government, should be stopped.
“I am just giving a preliminary announcement before the public budget (2025) next month,” he said when launching the National Symposium 2024: Menoktah Kemiskinan today.
Also present were Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul.
Fair distribution of govt funds
He insisted that the distribution of national funds must be implemented fairly, especially in remote areas and locations with the highest poverty rates.
He said that there are children of high-ranking government employees, political leaders, and wealthy figures who let the government bear the costs of their children’s education.
At the same time, Anwar said, it is clear that there are schools in the interior or areas inhabited by poor people who do not get the support they need and deserve from the government, which is unfair to everyone.
Therefore, the prime minister said the government should at least continuously work to improve the facilities, capabilities, and quality of education for all citizens.
Anwar added that if someone is very wealthy, they should send their children to study at their own expense.
“That way, we can make up for the shortfall.
“Otherwise, this subsidy (for the rich) will continue (to be enjoyed) (while) the proceeds (from saving subsidies) will be used for additional assistance to the poor,” he said.
Anwar is scheduled to present Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 18.
