The Parallels of Free Textbooks and the NEP

The NST reported today that Education Minister, Hishammuddin Hussein has responded to suggestions that a free textbooks scheme be implemented for all students.

From what I read, he basically said no and elaborated on the pitfalls of such a scheme. (1) It was not means-tested (ie. it doesn't ensure that only the poor and disadvantaged benefit from it) and (2) the beneficiaries have no follow-up accountabilities.

The former is simply unfair and the latter encourages a rent-seeking attitude of "entitlement", rather than "assistance". And I have to say I agree with the minister.

But hang on... what actually struck me was how the minister's statements [about free textbooks] are just 100% as applicable to the NEP (National Economic Policy or better known on blogosphere as NEarly aPartheid policy). Here are some choice quotes from the minister himself.

On TEXTBOOKS:
"Don't tell me that about 97% of the students are destitute. It's not possible."

Applied to the NEP:
Don't tell me that 100% of the bumiputras are destitute. It's not possible"

On TEXTBOOKS:
"... but it would be difficult to withdraw a subsidy once it had been given.

The fund is not going to get smaller.

There will be more students and more need to borrow textbooks"

Applied to the NEP:
It is difficult to withdraw handouts since they had been given.

The handouts are not going to get smaller.

There will be more bumiputras and more demands for handouts.

On TEXTBOOKS:
"The ministry would only provide free textbooks to all students if those who benefit from the scheme would help in ensuring that funds were always sufficient for such a move," the minister said.

Applied to the NEP:
The govt should only provide handouts to bumiputras if those who benefit from the NEP would help in ensuring that funds were always sufficient for such a move.

On TEXTBOOKS:
Hishammuddin said it was "dangerous" that even the rich benefit from the scheme.

Applied to the NEP:
It is "dangerous" that even the rich benefit from the NEP.

It's just sad that the minister could be so lucid and reasonable on something like free textbooks, but absolutely incapable of applying the same logic & standards to the NEP - which economic burden is comparatively astronomical and and comes with a behavioural downside the size of a galactic black hole.
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