Shah Alam: The government will discuss the possibility of expanding the FLYSiswa initiative, which provides subsidised flight tickets, to include land transport for students in Peninsular Malaysia, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister mentioned that the annual initiative by the Ministry of Transport could potentially be implemented for specific journeys or destinations within the peninsula.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister addressed the focus of FLYSiswa on Sabah and Sarawak, noting the high cost of flights to these states, particularly during festive seasons, as a reason for the existing assistance. He acknowledged a participant’s suggestion at the ‘Temu Anwar’ programme at the private Management and Science University (MSU) to extend the initiative to cover land transport for students in Peninsular Malaysia. Anwar indicated plans to discuss with the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, the feasibility of implementing the initiative for certain areas or specific locations.
The FLYSiswa initiative currently provides subsidies for flight tickets for public university students, polytechnic and community college students under the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as matriculation and teacher training institute students under the Ministry of Education, for domestic routes between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
Meanwhile, Anwar shared that the Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia is developing a programme to expand the Perdana Fellow Programme, offering more opportunities for youth to gain experience in national leadership. Anwar emphasized the government’s view of the programme, introduced 10 years ago, as a platform for students to understand the direction and work culture of the government at the highest level, while also shielding them from baseless accusations against the administration.
He stated that there are discussions on providing alternatives for those unable to join the Perdana Fellow Programme to engage with government leaders, ministers, and deputy ministers. The Akademi Kenegaraan and other relevant parties are managing this to facilitate youth gaining administrative and work culture knowledge.
Previously, Anwar highlighted the Perdana Fellow Programme as an effective platform for young people to be exposed to government direction, operations, and work culture, aiding future national leaders in comprehending government policies.
The ‘Temu Anwar’ programme saw participation from some 4,000 students, marking Anwar’s first engagement with a private university. The event was also attended by Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, MSU vice-chancellor Prof Puan Sri Dr Junainah Abd Hamid, and MSU president Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid.