Multiracial Malaysians voted for Pakatan, but education scholarships went to foreigners!

MCA Youth urges the Pakatan Harapan federal government to continue to strive for the Constitutional rights and interests of Malaysia’s multiracial communities. Do not just show attention to ethnic minorities only during e general and by-elections and not just remember about us when tax payments are due. When allocating resources, priority must be given to all Malaysian citizens.

Ethnic minorities who are Malaysian citizens have been on a continuous disadvantaged end where education policies are concerned. In a latest development, the Pakatan-helmed Putrajaya has announced RM11.47 million worth scholarships for Palestinian students. Meanwhile, needy non-Bumiputera Malaysians continue to be neglected under PH’s Bumiputera quota policies.

In Budget 2019, PH axed the RM60million matching grants for operation expenses to TAR University College. The removal of this government allocation compelled TAR UC to adjust its fees to make up for the shortfall, thereby placing economic pressures on students and their families. Next, enrolments for the Matriculation programme was increased while the number of placements for public universities remained the same. STPM holders now face a reduced opportunity to secure entry into public universities.

The PH government claims that the national debt is really high and the country is on the verge of bankruptcy. However, it has more than sufficient funds to bestow scholarship on Palestinian students.

Malaysians are a compassionate lot and do not oppose PH allocating assistance to other countries on humanitarian grounds and for diplomacy. However, shouldn’t care and compassion be prioritised for our local fellow Malaysian citizens? It is plain obvious that PH is generous towards foreigners but among Malaysians, PH repeatedly divides the various ethnic communities besides mounting obstacles against non-Bumiputera students wishing to pursue tertiary education.

Tan Chee Hiong
MCA National Youth Deputy Chairperson

-MCA online-