Use tax break to help schools, Amir urges alumni

Finance minister Amir Hamzah Azizan, a former student of St John's Institution, said 'the Johannian spirit has never left me'. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR: Former students of public schools have been urged to make use of a new tax relief for contributions towards a fund for helping schools.

Finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan, speaking at a St John's Institution alumni dinner, said the 2027 federal budget provided a tax deduction of up to 10% of aggregate income for contributions towards the Tabung Sumbangan Wang Awam Sekolah.

The fund supports school operations, facility repairs, equipment purchases and student programmes.

Amir urged former students to give generously, and also extend their contributions beyond financial assistance. Alumni associations could help the younger generation to benefit from the learning process that had shaped their values and character.

“Most of us have been blessed with the privilege of being in school. Most of us have picked up the ethos that has made us different. What we want now is to embed the same ethos, same opportunity and the same privilege to the future generations that come,” he said.

"Four decades ago, I may have left St John’s, but the reality is that the Johannian spirit has never left me. The bonds and friendship we have built over the years continue to be in our hearts and minds,” he said.