Budget 2027 Reflects PM’s Commitment To Human Development, Stronger Institutions - UUM
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Budget 2027 has been described as a “bold budget”, reflecting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s approach of prioritising human development and strengthening institutions, with education as a key driver of national transformation.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) vice-chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the strength of Budget 2027 stems not only from the amount allocated, but also from the government’s ability to set development priorities that benefit the people and future generations.
He said the country’s competitiveness depends on the quality of its human capital, the efficiency of its institutions and a responsive education system, particularly amid rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence, automation, competition for talent and shifts in employment structures.
Ahmad Martadha said the Education Ministry remains the largest recipient of funding, with an allocation of nearly RM69 billion, up from RM66.2 billion, while funding for school repairs and maintenance has doubled to RM2 billion from RM1 billion.
Nearly RM1.3 billion has also been allocated to upgrade 682 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, while the Early Schooling Aid has been increased from RM150 to RM200 per pupil, benefiting 5.3 million pupils.
“Education is not solely about the curriculum. The condition of school buildings, access to facilities, the learning environment and gaps between regions also shape children's prospects for success. From a development perspective, this is about ensuring equal opportunities,” he said in a statement today.
He said the RM19.1 billion allocation to the Higher Education Ministry, including RM800 million to upgrade university facilities, reflects a more mature management approach by encouraging universities to diversify their funding through endowments, alum contributions, industry partnerships, high-impact research and strategic collaborations.
He said measures to ease the burden on low-income National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers, including deferred or reduced repayments and student welfare assistance, show that the government continues to prioritise access to education and student wellbeing.
Ahmad Martadha said the RM8 billion allocation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), together with RM3 billion from the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to provide three million training opportunities, indicates that talent development has become a national economic priority.
“This also underscores the Prime Minister’s willingness to move the country beyond the old thinking that universities should simply produce graduates, when they must instead develop talent. We cannot prepare graduates for tomorrow’s economy using yesterday’s economic model,” he said.
He said a new legal framework for higher education covering university autonomy, academic freedom and students’ rights is essential to strengthen institutions, while universities’ and TVET institutions’ participation in the MADANI Adopted Community programme can extend the benefits of knowledge to the wider community.
-- BERNAMA