MALAYSIA is rich. We have oil, gas, palm oil-you name it. Money isn’t the problem. So why is free education still out of reach for most Malaysians?
Education is a right. Not a luxury. Not a favour. A right.
Starting in 2026, Sarawak will fully cover tuition fees for local students in its public universities. RM250 million has been committed. Nearly 5,000 (4,693) students will benefit in the first year alone. And it doesn’t stop there-students will also receive monthly allowances to help with living costs.
That’s what real investment in the future looks like.
Now look at Selangor. They’re offering free language classes, Mandarin, Tamil, French, German, Arabic. Nice gesture. But let’s be honest-it’s nowhere near what Sarawak is doing.
One state is changing lives. The other is playing it safe.
It’s time for Peninsular states to stop waiting for federal handouts. Stop playing small. If Sarawak can do it, why can’t we?
Let’s talk about our top public universities-UM, USM, UPM, UKM, UTM. These institutions have shaped the nation. They’ve produced ministers, scientists, doctors, engineers, CEOs. Imagine the impact if they offered free education.
Thousands of families wouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and sending their kids to university.
But this won’t happen with empty speeches. We need bold action. We need leaders with guts. Leaders who are ready to invest in people, not just talk about it.
Look at Germany, Norway, Finland.
University is free. Not just for locals-for international students too. Why? Because they treat education as a public good, not a business.
They know that when you invest in people, the whole country moves forward.
And here in Malaysia? We’re still asking. Are there tuition-free universities? The answer? Barely.
Yes, the federal government has made some moves-RM120 million for PTPTN, and loan exemptions for top students from low- and middle-income families. But 5,800 students? That’s a drop in the ocean.
We need more. We need better. Cover tuition, yes but also living costs, books, transport. Because what’s the point of free tuition if students can’t afford to survive?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that starting next year, children from hardcore poor families will get free education-from preschool to university.
It’s a powerful promise. But promises alone won’t change lives. Execution is everything.
And we still don’t have answers:
Who decides who’s “hardcore poor”? The e-kasih mechanism?
How will the money reach the right students, on time?
How will we make sure schools and universities stay strong, accountable, and high-quality?
The idea is good. But without clear rules, strong systems, and real follow-through, even the best plans can fail.
Sarawak has approved 64 courses across four universities-Swinburne, Curtin, UTS, and i-CATS. They’re not just talking. They’re doing.
So here’s the real question.
Who’s bold enough to follow Sarawak’s lead?
Who’s ready to make free education a reality-not just a dream?
Because the future of Malaysia depends on it.
***M. Vivekananthan is the aide to Tapah MP, and MIC deputy president