KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the welfare of vulnerable groups in this country must continue to be prioritised, in line with the Madani economy.
Taking the example of the education sector, he said there are children of the rich who enjoy government-funded education facilities.
“As far as I know, the majority benefiting are elite groups such as senior civil servants, political leaders, and leading entrepreneurs who send their children to the best schools funded by the government, and this is unreasonable, unfair.
“Should a child of the rich be sent to a Faculty of Engineering, (whether) Malay, Chinese or Iban, he should pay, so we can meet demand, otherwise this subsidy will continue. This revenue can then be used to help the poor more,” he said when opening the “National Symposium: Eradicating Poverty” event in Putrajaya today, which was also attended by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said all forms of leakages, including education subsidies to the children of the rich, must stop.
On continuous government protection of vulnerable groups in Budget 2025, Anwar said subsidies for the rich will cease, and be diverted to help the poor.
He said the government does not want people to be left behind due to lack of opportunity as the nation progresses.
“If this country stands for independence and freedom as well as justice, then the focus should be there (education), where schools should see continuous efforts to improve facilities, capabilities and quality.
“How should we do it? By ensuring funds are distributed. How can the funds be distributed? Leakage, including (subsidies for) the children of the wealthiest groups to science secondary schools that are aided and heavily subsidised by the government, should be stopped,” he said.
Anwar said he is aware some of the moves by his government are not popular with some, but those actions must be taken for the welfare of the needy.
— Bernama
