KUALA LUMPUR – The allegation that vernacular schools are left out of Budget 2021 is not true, said MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
He said special allocations for Tamil and Chinese schools are included in the sum set aside for the Education Ministry, even if this was not mentioned when the Budget was tabled on Friday.
“Previously, the government provided a special allocation of RM50 million to RM100 million for vernacular schools, but this year, it was not mentioned, and the people are unhappy about it.
“This morning, I discussed the matter with the finance minister and education minister, and they confirmed a change of approach.
“Usually, the allocation for vernacular schools would be announced separately, but this time, it is included in the Education Ministry’s allocation,” he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.
The Education Ministry has received the biggest allocation in the Budget – RM50.4 billion, or 15.6% of total government expenditure.
Saravanan said Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin will announce the allocation breakdown soon.
“Hence, I advise the Indian community to be patient until the announcement is made.” –Bernama, November 9, 2020