BETONG: It is not appropriate to stop providing educational subsidies to the children of the wealthy attending top public schools.
Instead, the government should consider giving different percentages of subsidies to this group, said Spaoh Islamic Charitable Trust Board (LAKIS) chairman, Dr. Abang Ismail Abang Julhi.
“For example, the extremely poor group could be given 100 per cent subsidies, the B10 group (75 per cent), the B40 group (50 per cent), the M40 group (40 per cent), and the T20 group (30 per cent), while the very wealthy might receive 20 per cent.
“Sometimes the wealthy or middle-class groups also have significant financial burdens, especially when faced with the rising cost of goods and services recently,” he said.
He said this in response to the government’s plan to stop providing subsidies to the wealthy in the education sector.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously stated that this would be a priority in Budget 2025 which will be tabled on Oct 18, to ensure that subsidies are only given to the poor and truly deserving groups.
Abang Ismail stated that all students from wealthy or middle-class backgrounds should also be considered for subsidies.
“In my opinion, the provision of subsidies should not take into account background, income level, or whether someone is wealthy or not.
“When the term ‘subsidy’ is mentioned, it is a government initiative to help Malaysians.
“If the government is capable of providing subsidies to all students, it should do so.
“If not, the government can reconsider whether it should be given to everyone or not,” he added.
He also mentioned that in Malaysia, it is somewhat difficult to categorise who is considered wealthy.
“The wealthier someone is, the higher the individual taxes imposed on them.
“Indirectly, this group also contributes to the country’s economic income.
“Sometimes the wealthy are burdened with debts that they need to settle. Therefore, having subsidies can help reduce that burden.
“Indeed, providing subsidies is not mandatory; it depends on the government’s ability to assist its citizens,” he added.
