Damned if you do, damned if you don’t


Clarence Devadass

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. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, November 12, 2018.

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.


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Comments


  • Sorry lah pensioners got no increment but okaylah something better than nothing

    Posted 5 years ago by Gregory R Warrier

  • To me repaying back the money owing to PTPTN debts is just like paying outstanding income tax. Mind you you borrowed the money to pursue your education and now is only right to pay back in order for the future generations to continue to pursue their education.

    Posted 5 years ago by Robin loh Hoon loi

  • The reaction of PTPTN borrowers who feel betrayed by the new gomen for compelling defaulters to pay back, at a rate of 2% to 15% on the loan that they had taken out to pursue their studies is QUITE UNDERSTANDABLE. Thanks to BUMNO's decades old practice of lowering the entry and exit "passing marks", many received sub-standard education, graduated with "flying colours" but remained unemployable.

    Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201