KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has approved an RM100 increase in the monthly living allowance for students in local higher education institutes sponsored by the Public Service Department (PSD), announced Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister, who revealed the matter when addressing PSD scholars at an event in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi today, said that the decision was made considering how students are burdened by high costs of living.
“During my visits to local universities, some (PSD-sponsored) students raised their concerns regarding their allowance and told me to not only pay attention to PSD scholars overseas as those studying locally are also excellent students.
“With the additional RM100 a month, the total allocation (for local PSD scholars) is now RM1,200,” Anwar said, noting that the increased allowance will be implemented beginning next month.
In a statement on the matter later on, the prime minister added that there will be a 15% raise in the allowance for PSD students overseas, except for those completing their first degree in the United Kingdom as their allowance rates had previously been upped in November last year.
“The increase in the allowances, which is set to benefit 43,595 PSD scholars, involves an estimated financial implication of RM52.03 million for a period of six months beginning in July,” he said.
Meanwhile, the prime minister also took several questions from university students at the event, one of whom had brought up an apparent trust deficit between students and the nation’s policymakers and leaders.
In response, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said that he does not blame the youth for feeling distrustful of political figures as it is “known that if you are a politician, your work is to amass illegal wealth.”
“What is important now is how component parties in the unity government are united in our commitment to leave behind disgusting political practices.
“This is more vital than (throwing around) slogans such as Hidup Melayu while allowing works to tarnish our nation’s name and talking with such hatred and jealousy,” Anwar said, urging the crowd to stand by him as he attempts to right the wrongs of past administrations. – The Vibes, June 13, 2023
