Akmal to help sort out PTPTN issue with Wan Saiful
JOHOR BARU: PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir will be meeting National Higher Education Fund Corporation chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan to discuss the best way to collect loan instalments from borrowers.
The Johor Baru MP said he received numerous feedback from borrowers.
Among others, they wished to be first consulted on any new approach to be taken, he added.
“They also wanted to be given enough time to make adjustments before any implementation (of a new repayment method) is to be enforced,” Akmal said after launching Karnival Rakyat here yesterday.
Akmal said any new PTPTN repayment scheme had to be sustainable in that it should benefit both current borrowers and future students taking up the loans.
“We still have to find ways to address the alarming amount of student loans owed to PTPTN that is close to RM40bil to ensure the continuity of the fund for future generations,” Akmal added.
Asked about the involvement of university students in the rally against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), Akmal said it was their right to express whatever dissatisfaction they had with it.
“We advocate freedom of speech and assembly but that being said, it should also be done in a peaceful manner and not risk the safety of others,” he said.
Akmal said although the government had decided not to ratify the UN convention, Malaysia, as a nation, should reject any form of discrimination at all levels.
It was earlier reported that a number of university students would be joining the rally to show their dissatisfaction over the PTPTN controversial repayment scheme, which had been put on hold.
Under the scheme, borrowers earning above RM2,000 would have their monthly loan instalments deducted from their salaries by between 2% and 15%, depending on the bracket they are in.