Malaysians divided on delay of Pakatan promise on PTPTN loans repayment

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are divided when it comes to the Government's delay of Pakatan Harapan's promise that repayment of National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans will be suspended for those earning below RM4000 monthly.

Some like Facebook user Lee Mei Fong said whatever has been borrowed should be repaid.

"We should be thankful that we got help from the government to further our studies. Why shouldn't we pay the government back? We shouldn't expect a free lunch," said Lee.

Similar views were shared on Facebook by Mona Haslina, who said those that borrowed money must pay the debt, as it was money borrowed to fund their studies.

"A debt must be paid in principle to give other candidates opportunities," said Mona.

However, others felt let down by the Education Ministry's decision not to fulfil Pakatan's promise to delay loan repayments.

"Pakatan should hold to their word. When I voted Pakatan, I really hold to their promises," Badri Hardebi said.

Another - Hakimnn Hakimnn - wondered if the government can be trusted to be corruption-free if it was already unable to fulfil promises like this.

Previously, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said borrowers earning less than RM4,000 a month could delay repaying their PTPTN loans.

On Thursday (May 31), Dr Maszlee however said that borrowers have to continue paying their loans for now as the country is saddled with more debt than what was revealed by the previous administration.

He added that the ministry needed more time to find the best way to fulfil the promise within 100 days.