STUDENTS will only be expected to begin repaying their higher education loans once they earn at least RM4,000 a month.

This radical suggestion will be part of Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto for the 14th General Election, said PKR youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

“We do not expect the government to instantly phase out the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), but, realistically, there should be certain leeway with regard to repayment of the loan,” he said at a press conference at their headquarters in Merchant Square 

In December last year, Bernama reported that 1.5 million PTPTN borrowers had defaulted on their loans and were listed in the Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) as of November 10. The amount of loans defaulted then was RM32.07 billion.

PTPTN is targeting to collect RM4 billion this year.

Nik Nazmi said with the rising cost of living and stagnant wages, the Barisan Nasional government had gone and cut the education budget. 

He said PH Youth had also proposed, as part of their manifesto, that more universities, colleges and vocational colleges be built. 

“There are currently about 20 public universities and 400 private universities nationwide. What we need to do is focus on building more public universities to reduce demand on private universities and more vocational colleges to produce a highly skilled workforce.”

On the recognition of the Chinese schools’ Unified Examination Certificate and Thanawi (religious education), Nik  Nazmi said the government had been avoiding the issue for years.

“UEC is recognised by some of the worlds best universities, but continues to be sidelined here. 

“The Selangor, Penang and Sarawak state governments has recognised the UEC. This policy should also be applied in Malaysia to prevent the outflow of talent.

“BN has failed in the country’s education system, so, PH will ensure that education gets the priority it deserves.” – July 4, 2017.