KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed paid Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) for financially-able bumiputras will not use public funds, says Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the government will look into private financing initiatives for proposed paid MRSM colleges.
“We will cooperate with financial institutions for funding. On this matter, we should think without the box, not just outside the box,” said Ahmad Zahid during Question Time in Parliament on Thursday (March 23).
Ahmad Zahid was responding to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (PH-Muar), who asked if there were plans to set up paid MRSM colleges to those who are financially able.
Ahmad Zahid said applications to enrol at MRSM colleges have exceeded 300% of its capacity.
“We are conducting feasibility studies to see how many students who are academically qualified to enrol in MRSM, but their parents' income bracket does not qualify, especially the M40 and T20 groups, as the priority is for B40.
“Without compromising quality and academic qualifications, we will allow as many rooms as possible for MRSM alumni in existing colleges, what more for the paid version that is to come,” said Ahmad Zahid.
Ahmad Zahid also said that if the proposal is approved, the MRSM college will not be built on Mara land allocated for the poor.
“I will ensure that the land for the poor is not used but instead, we will cooperate with a few quarters through smart partnership,” added Ahmad Zahid.
