PAKATAN Harapan’s first federal budget has been discussed by many, not only among netizens, but also the man on the street. There is no doubt that it was going to be closely scrutinised not only by experts, but people as a whole, who want to know how the new government will alleviate the problem of the rising cost of living, a hot topic in the days leading up to the 14th general election.

The day after Budget 2019 was tabled, when visiting my mother, she was quick to ask if there were increments for pensioners.

It is quite clear that most people want to know how the budget benefits the individual, and the majority may not be so interested in what benefits the country or Malaysians as a whole. In this sense, no matter what budget is presented, it is never going to please the masses, and even a “bold” leader of the opposition had called it a copycat budget.

Looking at the budget as a whole, I was deeply intrigued, and even dismayed, by the reaction of National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers who feel betrayed by the new government for compelling defaulters to pay back, at a rate of 2% to 15%, the loan that they had taken out to pursue their studies. What immediately crossed my mind was that, anything short of the government writing off their debts would have been considered unfavourable. Whether the repayments begin now or come later, upon earning RM4,000, there will always be excuses not to pay back.

I cannot help but think whether those who had borrowed actually thought about the need for them to pay back someday, or were they hoping that the system would forget them and erase all past records? One would not discard this possibility during the time of the previous government, given its track record for mysteriously missing funds.

Taking money from the government is sometimes like borrowing money from a close friend. We hesitate to give, but once given, we hesitate to ask for it back, and interestingly, the borrower hesitates to remember. In any system, there is always a possibility of abuse and people trying to find a way around it. In this case, if the borrower does not see that by not paying off their debt, another person may be deprived the privilege of being able to take out the loan, it would be almost impossible for the opportunity to continue ad infinitum.

The enforcer is always deemed as the bad person, even if it is over 5 sen. Perhaps, that is how some people were brought up to think – that it is their right and privilege to be assisted. It is astounding to hear the prime minister stating that PTPTN defaulters owe RM39 billion in outstanding repayments, and mind-boggling that the sum is almost the equivalent to the total debts suffered by the scandal-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Since every level-headed Malaysian is now demanding that the new government recover as much money as possible from 1MDB, on the same note, wouldn’t it also be right for the government to start recovering funds from PTPTN defaulters? What is good for the goose must also be good for the gander, right?

I have not come across anyone who has said “I have enough money”. This is something that we can never get enough of. The more money one has, the more wants to acquire. If there isn’t a system in place to “compel” borrowers to pay back, no one will ever pay back… just like the good friend.

I commend the new government for having taken this bold step to ensure that future students have a shot at tertiary education.

So, PTPTN defaulters, rather than complain about the new government going back on its pre-election promise, perhaps, it is time to tighten your belt, pull up your socks and bite the bullet, to give back what could rightfully help future generations. – November 12, 2018.

* Dr Clarence Devadass is a Catholic priest and director of the Catholic Research Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Moral education is an issue close to his heart. He focuses on paving resourceful ways to promote virtues for living in a multireligious society, for a significant life together.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.