THE true cost of the MyBrain programme for postgraduate students is higher than promised by the previous government, said Dr Maszlee Malik, following criticism against his earlier statement on freezing the scholarship programme.

The education minister said it will cost RM612 million, and not RM90 million as stated by the Barisan Nasional administration.

“This amount needs approval from the Economic Planing Unit and Finance Ministry,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

“RM90 million was promised by the previous government, but the amount never reached the ministry.

“It was a political gesture made by the previous government.”

Maszlee came under fire over a recent interview with RTM, where he told the state broadcaster that the programme, which funds scholarships for master’s and PhD students, had been put on hold.

He said the remarks he made during the interview have been misunderstood, adding that the RM612 million must first receive approval due to its “huge financial implications”. – July 30, 2018.