Warm greetings: Anwar sharing a light moment with students after attending the ‘Meet Anwar @IIUM A Special Homecoming‘ programme at IIUM Gombak Campus. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
GOMBAK: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan rates and repayment terms may be reviewed to assist borrowers and address the issue of high outstanding debts, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said PTPTN’s outstanding debt has nearly reached RM40bil to date.
“If we increase it (loan rate), (perhaps) it (loan amount) is going to be RM50bil. For now, I see we just have to hold on.
“We will help students in terms of their needs, but I think we need to have the courage to review it.
“Parents who are very rich should pay. Then at least we can transfer that to the poorer students,” he said at the “Meet Anwar@IIUM” programme yesterday.
He said education should cultivate core values such as freedom, peace and unity, and not just ensure that students are equipped with knowledge and information.
“When I talk about knowledge, whether it is economics or politics, the fundamental values of freedom, justice and human dignity must be there, and that leans on values,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reiterated that Malaysia will continue backing the Palestinian struggle while continuing to prioritise national interests.
“As an emerging country, we have done our best. However, it (the Palestine issue) remains unresolved.
“Make sure we can shout (demonstrate support for the Palestinian cause) as much as we can.
“At the same time, we must put our house in order. Stop corruption and abuse of power, and make sure we govern well and protect the interests of our people. That is the answer. Not short-term but long-term,” he added.
Anwar also witnessed the handover ceremony of a contribution of US$300,000 (RM1.3mil) to the AbuSulayman International Student Fund IIUM.
The Prime Minister also received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from Shenandoah University, US.
Separately, speaking to reporters after the event, Anwar pointed out that all VIPs are flagged in the border control system as “Travel Control Office/Order” (TCO), including himself.
“Every VIP has this (TCO), even me,” said Anwar briefly to reporters.
Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar recently claimed that he has been flagged as TCO and is being watched.
He claimed that he was under surveillance, with him being followed and his phone tapped.
In the homeland security systems, “TCO” refers to a designation assigned by a specific branch to individuals deemed a “risk” or “threat”.
