Dr Wee questions why only RM565mil available to maintain 10,000 schools next year

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has questioned discrepancies in the RM1bil allocation in Budget 2024 meant to maintain 10,000 schools nationwide.

The Ayer Hitam MP pointed out only RM565mil was available to maintain all types of national schools, Tamil, Chinese and other schools.

“Why did Budget 2024 mention RM1bil allocation for the maintenance of education institutions, but only RM565mil was left for more than 10,000 schools,” questioned Dr Wee.

During Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s winding up speech in Parliament, Dr Wee interjected and said that under the RM1bil allocation, RM100mil was allocated for the maintenance of computer labs, including buying equipment for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Dr Wee said a further RM60mil was allocated for the maintenance of teaching quarters, another RM25mil for non-school upgrading essentials, and RM65mil for emergency disasters.

“This is not right. These items must have their own allocation, and they cannot be taken from schools.

“We are fighting for RM1bil for 10,000 schools. So I want to ask, why did a RM1bil allocation turn into RM565mil?” questioned Dr Wee.

Dr Wee said that allocations for school maintenance were also lower compared to the previous years.

“That is why we want to wait and see. Is this a mistake by the Finance Ministry?” questioned Dr Wee.

“It was about RM800mil in the previous years, then RM900mil. Suddenly, it became RM565mil. This is not an increase. We should fight for this so the Education Ministry gets more allocation,” said Dr Wee.

Fadhlina, who spoke subsequently, thanked Dr Wee for his views and said the allocation breakdown for maintenance is still under internal discussions in the Education Ministry.

“This means there is still space for us to listen and consider your views,” said Fadhlina.

Fadhlina also said the allocations for maintenance will be given according to several mechanisms, such as applications and a needs-based formula.

“On the issue of maintenance, allocations must be given out fairly, taking into account priorities and also needs of all schools,” said Fadhlina.

Dr Wee pointed out that the RM65mil allocation for emergency funds cannot be included as part of allocations for school maintenance.

“This is for the 10,000 schools,” added Dr Wee.

In a Facebook posting later, Dr Wee said that Budget 2024 allocations for school maintenance aren’t clear.

“Therefore, it must be corrected,” said Dr Wee.

Dr Wee was also dissatisfied with Fadhlina’s answer, saying she didn’t provide a breakdown of school allocations and the construction of new Chinese schools.

“This is the fourth time the Education Minister did not answer the issues I raised in the Dewan Rakyat,” added Dr Wee.

Over 100 MPs have participated in policy stage debates for Budget 2024 for two weeks.

On Nov 2, Budget 2024 was passed in the policy stage via a voice vote.

Debates for Budget 2024 at the committee stage will begin next Monday (Nov 6), and will conclude by Nov 27.