SUNGAI PETANI, June 7 — The federal government has approved an additional RM1 million allocation for AIMST University to ensure students from underprivileged families continue to receive education assistance.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the additional allocation would supplement the annual grant given to the private university.

“The Madani Government will ensure that the poorest students at this university continue to receive guaranteed assistance. Therefore, I am adding RM1 million specifically for that purpose.

“Last week, we announced an allocation of RM100 for every secondary school and university student to purchase books,” he said when speaking at the annual government grant presentation ceremony for AIMST University in Bedong, near here, today.

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and MIC president Tan Sri Dr SA Vigneswaran, who is also AIMST University chancellor and chairman.At the ceremony, AIMST University received an annual grant amounting to RM25 million.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that despite various global challenges, the country's economic growth remains resilient and strong.

He said the national unemployment rate is currently at its lowest level, while investment performance has recorded an all-time high in the country's history.

“We are certainly grateful, but as I always say, 'shouldn't be lulled into complacency'. See the challenges. One of the major challenges, of course, is education; how to ensure that we continue to excel,” he said.

The Prime Minister said education is an important instrument in uplifting the dignity of the people and building a better future.

Therefore, he said the government places education as a key component that receives the highest allocation in the Budget every year. — Bernama