PRIME MINISTER Anwar Ibrahim has announced an additional RM20 million allocations for secondary Chinese national-type schools, alongside RM5 million for small-scale district projects in Perak, as part of a broader message linking development, education and family values.
Speaking at the Tambun Madani Chinese New Year and Ramadan aid presentation ceremony at SMJK Yuk Choy in Ipoh today, Anwar said the new allocation would supplement the RM80 million announced in January for school maintenance and repairs.
“In conjunction with Chinese New Year, I want to take this opportunity to announce that all Chinese schools will get more allocation.
“Whether it is for basic amenities or other things, we will add RM20 million for our Chinese community,” he said.
The RM80 million allocation unveiled last month marked an increase from RM50 million in 2025 and was described by the Prime Minister as timely assistance to address infrastructure needs.
In his address, Anwar also underscored the importance of humility and mutual respect, particularly among the younger generation.
“I've seen some people look down on cleaners. These are arrogant people.
“We need to learn to respect the cleaners who clean our toilets. This is about having good values,” he said, adding that parents must likewise be accorded respect.
“Children need to learn to respect all, even if (someone's) uniform is worn and torn, a poor person.
“What good is excelling in education if we create an arrogant person,” he added.
Calling for greater social harmony during the festive season, he urged Malaysians to exchange greetings across cultural and religious lines.
“If we see each other, we can greet them ‘Selamat berpuasa’ or ‘Xin nian kuai le’, ‘gong xi fa cai’.
“This shows our togetherness and shows our education.
“There’s no need for hostilities,” he said.
Earlier, at the launch of the National Family Compassion Policy and the Sejahtera Madani Roadshow – People’s Well-being Insurance Scheme at the Sultan Azlan Shah Ministry of Health Malaysia Training Institute, Anwar announced a separate RM5 million allocation to the Perak state government for small, high-impact district projects.
He said the funding would focus on minor yet urgent works, such as repairing leaking school roofs and upgrading basic public facilities, while larger infrastructure undertakings would proceed through separate planning processes.
“I have heard the appeals from the state government during the recent meeting with district officers.
“They did not request allocations for major projects, they asked for small projects that can be completed immediately for the benefit of the people.
“What is important are projects that directly benefit the community.
“Our priority should be initiatives with immediate impact.
“For example, addressing major floods along the Sungai Perak could cost billions of ringgit, and coastal erosion might require RM3 billion to RM4 billion.
“But repairing a drainage canal in Ulu Kinta may cost less than RM1 million. That should be done first because it directly affects individual homes,” he said.
He added that the funds could be disbursed as early as Monday, with district officers tasked to ensure swift and efficient implementation.
At the same event, Anwar reiterated that while Malaysia is actively pursuing economic growth, digital transformation and energy transition, the foundation of national strength must remain the family institution.
“DKKN reminds us that amid the noise of seeking funds and building national strength with all the sophistication of new education systems and new facilities, we must not neglect or abandon the foundation of family education and family compassion as our base and starting point,” he said.
The National Family Compassion Policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development through the National Population and Family Development Board in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Department Implementation Coordination Unit, adopts a life-cycle approach encompassing pre-marriage, family formation, parenting and care for the elderly.
It is supported by the National Family Action Plan 2026–2030, outlining five strategic thrusts, 16 strategies and 43 integrated actions aimed at strengthening family resilience as a pillar of the Madani agenda. - February 14, 2026
