PTPTN shuts out Unisel
(The Star) – “PTPTN wants to determine how serious the Opposition is in wanting to provide free education. If it is serious, then students in state-owned private institutes of higher learning like Unisel need not apply for study loans from PTPTN because education will be provided free to them.”
The National Higher Education Corporation Fund (PTPTN) has frozen its loans to students studying in Selangor-owned Universiti Selangor (Unisel).
The freeze began last month when fresh intakes started.
Stressing that it was a temporary move, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the decision was made following “political pressure” from the Opposition over free education.
“PTPTN wants to determine how serious the Opposition is in wanting to provide free education. If it is serious, then students in state-owned private institutes of higher learning like Unisel need not apply for study loans from PTPTN because education will be provided free to them.”
However, he said, the freeze would not affect Unisel students who were already receiving the loans.
The freeze was brought to public attention when the Higher Education Ministry, through the e-forum at its website, responded to a query on the matter.
PTPTN in a statement said the decision was also made due to recent call by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for students not to repay their loans.
“In this situation, we need to study the financial implications should many default on their loan payment as it will affect our ability to provide loans to others in future,” it said, adding that a final decision would be made based on Unisel’s assurance that its students would undertake to pay their loans.
Anwar had reportedly told students to stop paying back their student loans during a ceramah on Saturday, as the PTPTN scheme would be abolished if Pakatan Rakyat comes to power after the next general election.
In Shah Alam, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim accused PTPTN of discrimination.
“I will take this up with the Federal Government,” he said, adding that it was the Government’s duty to provide loans to students.
“Unisel, while it is a state university, also provides opportunities to students from other states.”
