Largest allocation proves Govt places importance on education - Yap

The 2014 Budget saw the largest allocation given to the education ministry, which is proof that the government continues to place importance on the education sector to drive national development.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching said the large allocation was also in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's move in combining the higher education and education ministries into one ministry.

"As we are implementing the National Education Blueprint (PPPM), extra funds are needed," she told reporters after launching the Lahad Datu Vocation College Agriculture Expo Saturday.

She said this when asked to comment on the 2014 Budget tabled by Najib, who is also finance minister, at the Dewan Rakyat Friday.

In the Budget, the education ministry was given an allocation of RM54.6 billion.

Yap said in the first wave, the PPPM was among those given attention, which included increasing educational infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and this required large expenditure.

She said the allocation was also an indication that the government never strayed from working hard to improve the education system although it was already recognised by the United Nations (UN).

The Tawau member of parliament also said she was happy that financial aid for school students and book vouchers for university students was continued in the 2014 Budget, adding that national-type schools and mission schools were also included.

"I am confident the government has taken all factors into account before allocating funds to the education ministry," added Yap.