IPOH: Islamic religious schools in Perak are not sidelined as claimed by the Opposition, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the state had approved RM1.8mil to nine Chinese Independent schools (Suwa), RM1mil for Tamil schools, and RM10mil for Islamic religious schools.
“When questions on allocation about Suwa was raised, then immediately it was followed by another question, on how about Islamic religious schools.
“The RM10mil allocation for Islamic schools is already given, but unfortunately some only highlight the Chinese school allocation and omit this fact, which creates a misleading impression,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the state assembly sitting on Wednesday (Sept 10).
On Tuesday (Sept 9), Noor Azman Ghazali (PN- Alor Pongsu) in the state assembly questioned that the government had approved RM1.8mil for Suwa, and asked about allocations made for Islamic religious schools.
Saarani explained that historically, the state government had provided direct allocations to various schools. However, during the tenure of Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, the approach was changed, where the schools were instead given land to cultivate oil palm, with the income intended to sustain their operations.
“Land was allocated through agencies like the state Finance Office, and the Perak Islamic Economic Development Corporation, benefiting Islamic, Chinese and Tamil schools.
“But after Covid-19, the plan collapsed as the land was left undeveloped and no income was generated. All schools suffered as a result,” he said.
Saarani said in 2023, the state decided to resume direct allocations to ensure the continuity of education support across all streams.
