Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the welfare of vulnerable groups in Malaysia must remain a priority, aligning with the goals of the Madani economy. Speaking at the “National Symposium: Eradicating Poverty” event in Putrajaya today, he highlighted disparities in the education sector, which he described as unfair and unreasonable. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli was also in attendance.
Anwar pointed out that children from affluent backgrounds, such as those of senior civil servants, political leaders, and prominent entrepreneurs, often benefit from government-funded education facilities. He expressed concern over this, stating, “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.”
The prime minister, who also serves as finance minister, called for the end of such subsidies for wealthy families. He explained, “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.”
Anwar further stressed that all forms of leakages, including those in education subsidies for the children of the wealthy, must be stopped to ensure that resources are directed towards aiding the less fortunate.
