Bersatu wing rejects retracting education subsidies for well-off students

Bersatu associate wing leader R Sri Sanjeevan says this plan goes against efforts to develop an inclusive national education system.

(FMT) – Bersatu’s associate wing has opposed the government’s plan to retract subsidies on school fees for more well-off students enrolled in science secondary schools.

Its information chief, R Sri Sanjeevan, said this plan went against efforts to develop an inclusive national education system, and was merely a populist move aimed at attaining short-term political gains.

Sanjeevan also called for clarity on the definition of “wealthy” families, saying unclear parameters risked causing manipulation, injustice and discrimination.

He said it would go against the United Nations’ fourth Sustainable Development Goal to provide inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

“The government’s latest proposal is not just a serious policy mistake, but a threat to Malaysia’s future,” he said in a statement.

On Monday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said it was not fair for senior public servants, political leaders and successful businessmen to enjoy education subsidies when sending their children to top public schools, namely science secondary schools.

He said these families should not be allowed to enjoy subsidised fees at such schools as it was a form of subsidy leakage.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, hinted that an announcement on this would be made under the 2025 budget, which will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 18.

The Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) backed the prime minister’s proposal, which would extend to public universities, saying it aligns with the principles of social justice and moral responsibility.

GPMS vice-president Danial Alimin said education subsidies needed to be targeted so that students from the B40 and M40 income groups could receive more equitable benefits, Bernama reported.

The funds saved from targeting the subsidies could be redistributed to students who were truly in need of government aid, he said.