A student with autism has voiced his appreciation for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s move to remove financial barriers to tertiary education for low-income and disabled students, saying the decision sends a powerful message that inclusivity remains central to national development.

Rajendrra Vharma, who studies under the Special Education Integration Programme (PPKI) at Sentul Utama, said the policy reflects an understanding that education must be accessible to all, including those who face developmental and learning challenges.

In a personal message to the prime minister, Rajendrra described the announcement as more than an administrative decision, saying it carried emotional and symbolic weight for children with disabilities.

“Free education is not just about policy. It tells us that our lives and our future are valued, and that every child, regardless of their challenges, belongs in Malaysia’s journey forward,” said Rajendrra, an autistic artist whose work has been recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records.

Anwar announced yesterday that tuition fees at public universities, colleges and polytechnics will be waived for students from low-income households and persons with disabilities, in a move aimed at ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent access to higher education.

Speaking as both prime minister and finance minister, Anwar said the initiative aligns with the government’s emphasis on social justice and inclusion, particularly for communities that have historically encountered economic and structural obstacles within the education system.

The waiver forms part of the Madani administration’s broader reform agenda, which places equity, human dignity and opportunity at the centre of policymaking.

Beyond thanking the prime minister, Rajendrra also used his message to encourage fellow students with disabilities to remain determined in pursuing their aspirations. He also expressed appreciation to parents and educators, whom he described as the foundation of support for children with special needs.

He ended his message by thanking Anwar for standing alongside the disabled community, as the government continues efforts to narrow long-standing gaps in education access.