Plan to strengthen education sector, improve infrastructure
IPOH: An additional RM20mil has been allocated for Chinese national-type schools (SJKC), this time for secondary institutions to improve facilities and basic amenities, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the allocation is in addition to the RM80mil announced in January for the maintenance and repair of SJKC.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the allocation is given as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the education sector and ensure school facilities continue to be enhanced.
“In conjunction with Chinese New Year, I want to take this opportunity to announce all Chinese schools to get more allocation.
“Whether it is for basic amenities or other things, we will add RM20mil for our Chinese community,” he said at the Tambun Chinese New Year and Ramadan aid presentation ceremony.
The Prime Minister had last month announced RM80mil for SJKC, an increase from RM50mil in 2025 as a “timely relief” for infrastructural needs.
Anwar said the education system must produce students who are not only outstanding academically, but also disciplined, of good moral character and have mutual respect for one another regardless of race and religion.
“I have seen some folk who looked down on toilet cleaners in hotels. Arrogance and poor education has failed them,” he said.
At another event, the Prime Minister said nurturing children to have good values and characters remains crucial in the pursuit of growth and development.
He said the shaping of values and morals must begin at home through early education by parents, adding that parents are not only responsible for showering love and affection, but also for being good role models for their children.
“This is why I give my support and encourage ministers and ministries to prioritise efforts to build strong and healthy families.
“Even as we discuss the economy, information technology, digital transformation and energy transition, the foundation remains the family,” he when lauching the KASIH Keluarga Negara Policy (DKKN) and the Jelajah Sejahtera Madani – Skim Insurans Kesejahteraan Rakyat.
The DKKN reflects the government’s commitment to ensure Malaysian families remain strong, resilient and protected in facing future challenges.
On the economy, the Prime Minister said the nation’s recent performance reflected sound governance and political stability, with data by the Statistics Department showing stronger-than-expected growth in the fourth quarter.
“Investments have reached record highs, unemployment remains low, inflation is under control and incomes are improving although we continue to face certain challenges,” he said.
Anwar added that economic growth must turn into benefits for the people, citing the RM15bil annual allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah.
“In South-East Asia, Malaysia’s economic performance is among the best. The ringgit has shown strong performance and this should be defended,” he said.
