FINANCE Minister Lim Guan Eng today blamed fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho for Pakatan Harapan’s failure to fulfil its election promise to study loan borrowers.

Lim said if Low had not taken billions of ringgit, Pakatan Harapan could have fulfilled its election manifesto.

Low, also known as Jho Low, is the alleged mastermind behind the scheme to divert billions of ringgit from state investment arm 1Malaysia Development Bhd. The scandal, which saddled Putrajaya with billion in liablilities, was a key election issue that brought down the Najib Razak government and ousted Barisan Nasional from power in the May 9 polls.

“We really want to implement our manifesto but you have to look at our fiscal position. I accept the complaints, but if only we had the money.

“If Jho Low had not taken RM 50 billion it can be done, definitely,” he said after the launch of the Fund My Home programme in Semenyih this morning. 

Lim was heavily criticised when he announced in Budget 2019 that National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers must repay the loan, even those earning RM1,000.

PH had promised in its 14^th general election manifesto that only those earning RM4,000 a month must start paying their loans.

Lim said the government is trying to provide alternatives to study loan borrowers, but it is difficult to meet expectation as the country’s fiscal deficit is high.

“We want to provide alternatives, but we know it is hard due to our financial state,” he said.

It was reported that PTPTN has seen a drop in collections since January, just after Pakatan Harapan announced its election manifesto.

But Lim’s announcement on Friday that those drawing RM1,000 monthly will have 2% of their salaries deducted in scheduled repayments while those earning more than RM1,000 monthly can opt to repay between 2% and 15% elicited anger among the public.

The government is also cancelling all PTPTN debts for those aged 60 and above. – November 4, 2018.