PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an immediate allocation of RM200 million to support Sekolah Agama Rakyat and under-resourced tahfiz institutions nationwide, stressing the government’s commitment to educational equity for students outside the national school system.
“This is to ensure that pupils who are not enrolled in the national education system can enjoy facilities on par with government schools,” Anwar said.
“Although they are not included under the national education policy framework, more than 300,000 students attend these Sekolah Agama Rakyat.”
The Prime Minister criticised the previous administration for cancelling aid to these schools, describing the decision as harmful to children’s welfare.
“Assistance to Sekolah Agama Rakyat was cancelled by a former prime minister.
“This is, in truth, mistreatment of our children,” he said. The new fund will allow for upgrades amounting to thousands of ringgit per school.
Anwar also outlined his government’s focus on Bumiputera economic development.
He cited a planned increase in the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP) to RM30 billion in 2026, expected to benefit some 30,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
“For 2026, the government has also allocated RM10 billion specifically to Bumiputera micro, small, and medium enterprises so that they are not left behind in national development.
“Sometimes people claim that there is no Bumiputera policy, or that Malay interests are ignored. I do not understand this.
“Whether they have not read, listened, or understood, the Bumiputera policies under the MADANI government are far better than previously, and we can provide the facts,” he said during the 2026 New Year address at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly in Putrajaya, today.
In addition, the government is set to distribute RM800 million in Back-to-School aid (Bantuan Awal Persekolahan), with a one-off payment of RM150 for each student from Year One to Form Six. Anwar stressed that parents must collect the aid in person to ensure it is spent appropriately and to discuss their children’s needs with teachers.
“Parents should go to school because they need to ensure that the money is spent on their child, and they need to hear from the teacher about any issues. Delegating it to the child is not permitted as we require the parent to be present due to the high expenditure… RM800 million,” he said.
The Education Ministry confirmed that distribution will begin on 11 January.
Addressing national unity, Anwar underlined that Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity should be regarded as a strength rather than a source of division.
“This is a majority Malay and Muslim country, but it is also a nation of diverse races and religions. This diversity is not new. We should not be overly swayed by pressures from regions, ethnicities, or religions,” he said, urging leaders to decide whether to unite the country or allow divisive sentiments to erode national strength.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of courageous leadership committed to reform and anti-corruption measures. “
When in power, whether as a minister, department head, or civil servant, that is the time to act to cleanse the nation of corruption and misconduct, without exception.
“Reform efforts must be carried out earnestly while in office, not merely complained about after leaving power,” he said.
On the international stage, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s principled stance in upholding international law and justice. Referring to the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by the United States, he described the action as a clear violation of international law.
“Malaysia is a free and sovereign nation. We adhere to the principles of law, international harmony, and take a resolute and consistent stance, whether on Gaza, Venezuela, or previously against apartheid in South Africa,” he said.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s foreign policy is rooted in a long-standing tradition of defending justice, opposing oppression, and supporting the independence of formerly colonised nations.
“This principle continues to guide the MADANI government in evaluating international issues, including developments in Venezuela, in line with our commitment to global peace and stability,” he said.
Highlighting the link between domestic unity and international credibility, the Prime Minister added that Malaysia’s ability to take principled positions globally is reinforced by internal stability and cooperation between the federal and state governments, allowing the nation to implement key policies collectively as a cohesive team. - January 5, 2025
