Anwar Announces Free Education for Hardcore Poor, Covering Preschool to University | KiddyNews

In a landmark announcement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today (7 November 2025) confirmed that beginning next year, children from hardcore-poor families in Malaysia will receive free education at all levels from preschool up to university.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Festival of Ideas (FOI) 2025 in Putrajaya, Anwar said the new initiative marks “a phase never done before” by the government, as part of its commitment to ensure education becomes a tool for social mobility despite the country’s fiscal constraints. “Although we inherited a government burdened by trillions in debt, after two years in office, we must act to secure the future of our students from hardcore-poor families,” he said.

Key Details of the Initiative

The free education plan covers all levels, from preschool, primary and secondary school right through to public university.

Anwar encouraged young people to engage in intellectual and ethical discourse, signalling that the policy is tied not only to access but also to developing thoughtful, values-based citizens.

Although no exact income ceiling was specified today, the term “hardcore poor” implies the policy targets children from the lowest-income families, enabling them to study without the barrier of fees.

A Big Step for Families & Children

For many parents and children from B40 and underserved communities, this policy could mean the difference between having to drop out and being able to pursue learning all the way through university. By removing school- and university-level fees for the most vulnerable, the government is aiming to level the playing field, reduce dropout rates, and ensure no child is left behind because of cost.

Educators and school leaders will also be watching closely. Free access is only part of the equation, ensuring quality in teaching, resources and support remains essential. This announcement shifts the focus from merely access to education, to also equity and inclusion.

Challenges Ahead

While the announcement brings hope, implementation will be key. Questions remain such as:

• How will “hardcore poor” be defined and verified?
• What mechanisms will ensure that funds reach the right students at the right time?
• How will the policy maintain quality and accountability in schools and universities?

Anwar’s call for deeper public discourse, including inviting student-leaders to debate alongside MPs, shows that the government recognises education as both a right and a responsibility. “Even in Parliament today, some debates are offensive — insulting other races and religions – without offering constructive ideas. This is not healthy politics,” he said.

Why This Matters

Access & Opportunity: By covering education costs for the poorest, the initiative could enable a new generation of children to learn and progress without the financial burden.

Social Mobility: Free education from an early age to university means that talented children from disadvantaged homes have a clearer path to succeed.

National Progress: As Malaysia strives to be a more equitable nation under the MADANI vision, this policy aligns with efforts to ensure every child – regardless of background – has a chance.

Source:

Malay Mail — “Anwar: Free education for hardcore poor from preschool to university starting next year”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.