PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has yet to make a decision on the removal of subsidies for children of affluent families as the matter is still being reviewed, says Fahmi Fadzil.
"It is still under discussion. There are a few matters that need to be looked into," said the government spokesman after attending the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Oct 8).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had recently hinted that Budget 2025 would benefit those genuinely in need and cut subsidies for the "ultra rich", including for education.
"The (education) allocation will be distributed appropriately and to stop leakages.
"We also want to stop the high subsidies currently enjoyed by the children of the ultra-rich attending science secondary schools," said Anwar at the National Symposium to End Poverty 2024.
Budget 2025, the third under the Unity Government, will be tabled in Parliament on Oct 18.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambryu Abd Kadir was quoted as saying that the removal of education subsidies for the children of affluent families at public higher education institutions will only be implemented once it has been approved by the Cabinet.
Fahmi also said that Anwar had not informed the Cabinet if he would take action against Bloomberg over a report alleging that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had been directed not to investigate his former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador.
"The media has the right to report and to protect their sources but it is also important to uphold journalism ethics, including choosing headlines that truly reflect the content," he said.
In the report, Bloomberg quoted three sources who claimed that the Prime Minister had instructed MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki not to investigate Farhash over the purchase of shares.
The MACC denied the allegations, saying news reports suggesting such interference were inaccurate and not credible.
The Prime Minister's Office also denied issuing any such directive.
