PTPTN CHAIRMAN APOLOGISES FOR NOT KEEPING PH PROMISE
I was among those who penned PH’s manifesto promises. I was responsible for the matter, including the pledge to postpone the repayment of PTPTN loans by those who earn below RM4,000 a month.
WAN Saiful Wan Jan, who penned the Buku Harapan containing Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto, has apologised to the people for failing to keep the promise on the National Higher Education Corporation Fund (PTPTN) loans.
The former Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs chief, who was appointed PTPTN chairman after the 14th General Election, said PTPTN had tried to find the best mechanism to realise the manifesto promise but failed.
“I was among those who penned PH’s manifesto promises. I was responsible for the matter, including the pledge to postpone the repayment of PTPTN loans for those who earn below RM4,000 a month.
“I apologise to the people. At the time (when writing the manifesto), I was not aware of (the extent of) the national debt as well as the debt borne by PTPTN.
“PTPTN’s debt (at the time) was almost RM40 billion. If this promise was carried through, PTPTN’s debt would place a massive burden on the country’s finances.”
Wan Saiful offered his apology while speaking at the Federal Territories Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung annual meeting.
He said the PTPTN management had tried to resolve its debts but failed.
“PTPTN has, for a while, been trying to manage the loans. I would like to state my admiration for the PTPTN management for their dedication to resolving the issue.”
He, nevertheless, pledged to meet the promise to reduce the burden of borrowers who earn a monthly income of under RM4,000.