Leave PTPTN loans out of politics

RECENTLY, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed his disappointment over the non-payment of the National Higher Educational Fund (PTPTN) loans, stating that the defaulters were damaging their own reputation and their community’s as well.

He also pointed out that there were defaulters who refused to repay their loans although they were able to do so. As a result, there is currently RM36bil in unpaid PTPTN loans.

The issue of unpaid PTPTN loans has become such an important part of the country’s national concerns that it is even being used for political gain, as occurred in the last general election where one of the promises offered in exchange for votes was the deferment of payments for a certain period of time. No doubt, current developments have left a sour taste in the mouths of those who have yet to settle their loans.

Before the problem becomes worse, the Election Offences Act 1954 (Act 5) must be amended to include a clause that prohibits any politician or political party from using education loans in their political campaigns in the future. A heavy penalty should be imposed on any politician or political party that still uses education loans in their campaign to win votes.

Politicians should not make any promises in this regard if they truly care for the future of our young people who need to be taught from an early age to be financially responsible.

All politicians have a moral duty to teach the young to value the education loans which they have received.