Former deputy education minister P Kamalanathan said the government should measure the 2027 budget not only by the amount of financial assistance provided but also by whether it improved the value of work and raised wages.

PETALING JAYA: The 2027 budget must address low starting salaries for graduates while helping small and medium-sized enterprises cope with higher wage costs, says former deputy education minister P Kamalanathan.

He said the government should use the budget to support the Progressive Wage Policy, provide students with access to AI learning tools, and introduce matching grants for community-based education funds.

Kamalanathan said the government should measure the 2027 budget – which will be tabled on Friday – not only by the amount of financial assistance provided but also by whether it improved the value of work and raised wages.