Outline:
Controversial Allocation Sparks Debate
Fadhlina Sidek, the Education Minister of Malaysia, has found herself in a storm of criticism after announcing an unexpected RM200,000 government allocation for Victoria Institution (VI), one of the country’s oldest secondary schools located in Kuala Lumpur. This decision has intensified public outrage, especially as it comes at a time when many are questioning her leadership and priorities, particularly following the tragic death of a student in Sabah last month.
The controversy began when Fadhlina shared details of her recent meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was once a student at VI during his family’s self-exile in the 1960s. She expressed that she was deeply moved by his concern for the school. In response, she instructed the SIP+ and SISC+ teams—special school improvement officers under the education ministry—to assist VI and announced several allocations.
“I hereby announce an allocation of RM200,000 for the improvement and maintenance of school infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of students and teachers. I am also contributing smartboards for teaching and learning purposes,” Fadhlina stated.
However, this move has drawn sharp criticism from Zam Yahaya, a popular current affairs commentator. During a recent podcast, he questioned the rationale behind the allocation, pointing out that VI is already one of the best-equipped schools in the country.
“So you have contributed RM200,000 that could have gone to 10 or 20 much poorer schools. Never mind the rural areas, there are many more needy schools in Kuala Lumpur itself. When you donate to VI, what are you trying to achieve?” Zam asked, highlighting that he himself was a student at VI for six years.
Zam argued that VI not only has a strong old boys’ association but is also financially stable enough to support its students, including offering scholarships. He mentioned that the Sultan of Brunei is among the school’s alumni and benefactors, and that the school has been able to raise significant funds through its annual dinner.
“Former VI students are wealthy and prominent personalities. Billionaires,” he said, adding that the school can easily secure funds by reaching out to just a few former students each year. “And every year there’s a fundraiser.”
This criticism comes on the heels of another controversial decision by Fadhlina, where she allocated RM8.4 million for the purchase of Jalur Gemilang pins for 5.14 million students nationwide. Many critics called this a wasteful expenditure, noting that such pins could be purchased more cheaply from online platforms like Shopee.
Parents and educators have expressed frustration over what they see as misplaced priorities. They argue that the money could have been better spent on improving the supplementary food program for low-income students or upgrading school facilities.
“They should provide more nutritious food, and more options instead of prioritising badges,” e-hailing driver Yusoff Suffian told Inforecently.
Fadhlina has also faced protests in solidarity with the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a 13-year-old student who died in an apparent fall in her dormitory. The incident has led to widespread speculation about a cover-up by authorities, further fueling public discontent.
In addition, social media has been flooded with memes and posts mocking Fadhlina, with many pointing out that she was appointed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim due to his close friendship with her late father, Siddiq Fadzil, who was also his mentor during his imprisonment on sodomy and power abuse convictions.
A School with Impressive Facilities
Zam also highlighted the impressive facilities at VI, which include comprehensive sports amenities. The school boasts dedicated fields and pitches for football, cricket, hockey, and rugby, along with a basketball court, two volleyball courts, tennis courts, a sepak takraw court, and a large badminton hall.
He also mentioned that during his time at the school, there were six laboratories for physics, biology, and chemistry. “That was in my time. And when I was there recently, it was pretty complete,” he said.
VI also has a large mosque, a skating rink, and a swimming pool — the only school in the country with such a facility. “This school is rich. Not only the parents are rich, but also the former students are rich and the alumni association is very strong.”
Zam concluded by emphasizing that far too many schools deserve the RM200,000 allocation, including those in Sabah and Sarawak. “If you want to allocate RM200,000, give it to rural schools.”