This was among the questions raised by PAS’ Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, who sought answers from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek on the controversial expenditure and whether her ministry had conducted any cost-benefit analysis and studied its effectiveness.

In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, Fadhlina did not directly explain the necessity of the expenditure, but said that the pin-on badges were part of the Education Ministry’s efforts to nurture patriotism, love for the country, and a sense of national identity among students.

“Its implementation complements the civic and national education integrated into the curriculum, co-curricular activities, and other relevant programmes within education institutions under the education ministry,” she added.