EDUCATION SUBSIDY PROPOSAL ALIGNS WITH GOVT'S SOCIAL JUSTICE PRINCIPLES – GPMS

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) supports the recent proposal by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to halt education subsidies for the children of wealthy families at public higher education institutions (IPTA), in favour of the B40 group. 

Vice president, Muhammad Danial Alimin, stated that GPMS views this measure as an initiative aligned with the principles of social justice and moral responsibility advocated by the government.

"GPMS fully supports the statement made by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir regarding the discontinuation of education subsidies for wealthy families' children at IPTA, though it will only be implemented with Cabinet approval.

"We believe that the current broad-based higher education subsidies need to be more targetted so that children from the B40 and part of the M40 groups can receive more equitable benefits," he said in a statement today.

He added that GPMS supports the Prime Minister's efforts to ensure that vulnerable and low-income groups continue to receive the appropriate benefits, while the T20 group should take greater responsibility.

Muhamad Danial stated that GPMS believes if the proposal to end these subsidies is implemented, the savings could be redistributed more effectively to students who truly need them. 

He explained that this would provide low-income groups wider access to higher education as they often face financial challenges in continuing their studies.

"The redistribution of subsidies could be used to enhance learning facilities, scholarships, and financial aid for eligible students. This would provide B40 students with a better chance to complete their studies without heavy financial strain, thereby improving their social mobility and quality of life," he said.

This approach would reduce imbalances in the use of public funds, allowing the government to restructure the spending on education more efficiently and target resources to those most in need, he added.

"GPMS also welcomes the Prime Minister’s suggestion that wealthy families should no longer take advantage of subsidies meant for those who truly need them. The affluent must fully grasp the depth of their moral and social responsibility. We believe this principle will build a more just and harmonious society," he said.

He stated that GPMS hopes these initiatives will strengthen the national education system and ensure fair and equal access to education for all groups.

-- BERNAMA