Poverty issues can be solved, stated Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the issue of extreme poverty in the country can be addressed by empowering vulnerable groups.

According to the portal Wilayahku, he mentioned that despite various initiatives by previous governments, it is concerning that a “dependency syndrome” exists among the affected groups.

“We must take this as a lesson, as it is not enough to have resolutions, policies, and announcements; there must be implementation programs.

“This vulnerable group remains dependent on authorities, allowing those in power to gain political benefits because these individuals will survive by relying on us—this is the dependency syndrome,” he said.

He made these remarks during the launch of the 2024 National Symposium: Ending Poverty at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

Meanwhile, Anwar urged that the practice of providing high subsidies to the children of the wealthiest families for admission to Science Secondary Schools be stopped.

He stated that this practice, which benefits the majority of elite children, places the country in an unreasonable situation.

“The issue we must consider now is how to assess the percentage of poor children in Science Secondary Schools, Science Foundation Colleges, and Malay Colleges.

“This includes the children of senior civil servants, political leaders, and prominent entrepreneurs, all of whom are sent to the best schools funded by the government at high rates, which truly puts us in the most unreasonable and unfair position,” he said.

Anwar emphasized that the country must be fair to those in need, including vulnerable groups.

“How should we proceed? By ensuring that funds are distributed, and how can we ensure the distribution of these funds?

“The leakage, including the children of the wealthiest families receiving high subsidies to attend Science Secondary Schools, must be stopped,” he stated.