‘Aid given to varsities free of political influence’

PUTRAJAYA: The Pakatan Harapan government yesterday said it provides inclusive assistance, which is free from political influence and based on the government’s financial capabilities, to all registered educational institutions

Press secretary to the finance minister Lutfi Hakim said the RM2 million allocation to a private college, Southern University College, which was questioned by Umno and Pas leaders, was a ploy by the opposition to play up public sentiment.

“What is strange is that an opposition leader from MCA has questioned the amount of allocation, but because it was considered too small.”

Lutfi said the Finance Ministry had approved a direct allocation of RM15 million to Universiti Islam Malaysia, a private non-profit institution in Cyberjaya.

“That allocation was not disputed by Pas and Umno leaders,”

He said the 2019 Budget had allocated RM25 million to pondok schools that were registered and free from political parties.