Govt has never neglected M40 group, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that the government has always prioritized the middle 40% (M40) group and has never neglected them. He dismissed allegations made by certain parties suggesting that the government’s approach has been more focused on the low-income or bottom 40% (B40) group, resulting in neglecting the middle-income group. Anwar described these claims as untrue.

Anwar went on to clarify, “While it is true that we have implemented several approaches, it is not accurate to say that we have given more to the B40 group. If we take science schools and MRSM (Mara Junior Science College), including Malay College and other institutions, only a very small percentage of the poorest group have truly benefitted from these initiatives, not even 1% or 2%. Therefore, I proposed to the Education Minister the establishment of a new type of school specifically for children from the poorest group, or alternatively, allocating 1% to 5% of the quota in existing schools to this category. If we do not take action, the gap between the different income groups will continue to persist.”

The statements were made by Anwar during the iTEKAD Networking event held at Sasana Kijang on Tuesday (August 22). Several high-profile personalities including Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Bank Negara Governor Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour were also present at the event.

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