MIC deputy president M. Saravanan has urged Indians to be patient over the allocation given for Tamil schools (SJKT) in Budget 2021, which was tabled last Friday. 

He said the funds for SJKT have been placed under a bulk allocation given to the Education Ministry, and that its minister will announce the breakdown in time to come. 

Over the weekend, many groups have expressed disappointment after finding that no money has been allocated for Tamil schools, as has been the practice in past years.

“I have discussed (this) with (Finance Minister)Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Education Minister (Mohd Radzi Md Jin), and they both confirmed that there is just a change in approach. 

“This time, everything (budget for schools) is placed under the Education Ministry, which was given more than RM60 billion for educational development.

“The education minister will announce the breakdown given for all schools,” the human resource minister told a press conference at the Parliament building today.

The education sector was once again the biggest recipient in Budget 2021, with a RM64.8 billion allocation.

Saravanan said Indians have expressed their disappointment with the budget allocation for Tamil schools, adding there was even talk of not supporting the current government. 
 
“The Indian community is not happy with the (SJKT) school allocation given. 

“They used to get allocations before but not this time… they’re not satisfied and even raised issues saying they’re not going to support the government. 

“There is no such thing as no money for Tamil schools; just be a bit patient. The announcement is coming soon,” he said. 

The Tapah MP also said that the public should not associate the Tamil school allocation and the RM85.5 million allocation given to the Special Affairs Department (Jasa) under the Communications and Multimedia Ministry. 

“(The allocations) have nothing to do with Jasa –that’s a different issue,” he added. – November 9, 2020.