We told you so, Akmal says after govt admits hard to waive PTPTN loan

We told you so, Akmal says after govt admits hard to waive PTPTN loan


Published: Oct 23, 2024 4:37 PM


With the government admitting it is hard to waive National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loan repayments, the Umno Youth chief reminded how former premier Najib Abdul Razak was criticised for previously saying the same thing.

Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh pointed out that Umno leaders had said this before, even during the BN administration.

“But no one wanted to believe us, so, the government and Najib got criticised and insulted incessantly,” he said on Facebook today.

Yesterday, Deputy Higher Education Minister Mustapha Sakmud said it is difficult for the government to waive PTPTN loan repayments amid the country’s financial situation.

“I believe this PTPTN issue has been dragged for quite some time, and all parties from both sides of the political divide have (at one point) included this matter in their manifesto.

“But given the current situation, it would be quite difficult for us to abolish (loan repayments) especially with the government shouldering a huge (financial) commitment.

“We also have to think of those who have already settled their loans, should we want to scrap repayment for those who haven’t. We need the money to ‘roll’, to fund the education of other students in the future,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.


Continue with BN programmes

Given the tough situation, Akmal said the government could consider continuing programmes mooted by the previous BN administration in dealing with PTPTN loans.

“Perhaps, we can still waive payments for those who got excellent results.

“And we can also reduce the payment quantum for those who come from underprivileged families,” the Malacca state executive council member added.