KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has expressed concern over the RM1bil allocation in Budget 2024 meant for the maintenance of 10,000 schools nationwide. The Ayer Hitam MP raised the issue that only RM565mil was available for the maintenance of all types of national schools, including Tamil, Chinese, and other schools. Dr Wee questioned why the budget mentioned an allocation of RM1bil when only RM565mil was left for the schools.
Dr Wee raised his concerns during Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s winding up speech in Parliament. He pointed out that out of the RM1bil allocation, RM100mil was designated for maintaining computer labs and purchasing equipment for STEM subjects. Additionally, RM60mil was allocated for the maintenance of teaching quarters, RM25mil for non-school upgrading essentials, and RM65mil for emergency disasters. Dr Wee argued that these items should have their own separate allocation and should not be taken from the schools’ maintenance budget.
Dr Wee highlighted that the allocation for school maintenance was lower than in previous years and questioned whether this was a mistake by the Finance Ministry. He emphasized the need to fight for a higher allocation so that the Education Ministry could receive more funds. In response, Fadhlina thanked Dr Wee for his views and stated that the allocation breakdown for maintenance was still being discussed internally in the Education Ministry.
Fadhlina assured that the allocations for maintenance would be distributed based on various mechanisms such as applications and a needs-based formula. She emphasized the importance of fairness in allocation and considering the priorities and needs of all schools. Dr Wee insisted that the RM65mil allocated for emergency funds should not be included as part of the school maintenance budget.
Not satisfied with Fadhlina’s answer, Dr Wee expressed his disappointment, stating that the Education Minister has failed to address the issues he raised in the Dewan Rakyat four times. Over 100 MPs participated in the policy stage debates for Budget 2024 over a span of two weeks. On November 2, Budget 2024 passed the policy stage through a voice vote. Debates at the committee stage for Budget 2024 will begin on November 6 and conclude by November 27.
