IPOH, July 3 – Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir today reiterated that the state government did not practise favouritism in the distribution of education aid for Perak-born students.
He said education was not an issue that should be politicised as there were equal opportunities for students to receive the aid based on their family income.
“The education fund was established long ago and beginning this year, the allocation is RM8 million, an increase of RM2 million over the previous years. The aid is open to all, regardless of race and political belief,” he told reporters after meeting Perak MIC leaders, here, today.
Zambry refuted the allegation by Simpang Pulai assemblyman Chang Ming Kai that the education aid applications supported by opposition assemblymen were rejected.
He said the aid for Perak-born students pursuing studies at public and private institutions of higher learning were given to those really in need, so the issue of support from opposition assemblymen should not arise.
On his discussion with the state MIC leaders, Zambry said the state government had decided to extend the aid to students at other institutions recognised by the government.
“Prior to this, Indian students pursuing studies at the public universities and AIMST University had enjoyed the aid. Now the state government will open it to students of the Tafe and Masterskill colleges,” he said.
Zambry said he wanted to see more Indian students pursuing their studies at a higher level as it was a way to take the community out of poverty.
“Getting an education to get out of poverty is everyone’s right and the state government will help to the best of its ability,” he added. – Bernama
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