My Dua Sen

The latest buzz in Malaysia is that of the proposed act of abolishing the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) by opposition; Pakatan Rakyat’s (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should PKR win in the next election. Even though it was DSAI himself – then the DPM, that approved the establishment of PTPTN back in 1997.

A big HU-HA this one is.

Let’s not dwell and dive into the political aspect of this matter.

So, what about the PTPTN?

The PTPTN education loan scheme is a financial aid set up to give a higher chance to the less fortunate for a chance at tertiary education.  While abolishing PTPTN loan may sound good, we neglect to look at the big picture. The fact is the Government is already heavily subsidising up to 90 per cent of our higher education. 

Since the establishment of the PTPTN, the number of students pursuing higher education has risen from 27,000 to 230,000. For deserving young ones, this loan could make a change in their lives.

If you really think about it, the PTPTN loan allows room for comfort to accommodate to one’s financial standing. Even though we can all agree that it is a little unfair that graduates are given 6 months repayment grace period upon graduation, failing which could result oneself to be blacklisted. 

Like any other loans, PTPTN loan works the same. 

If you don’t pay at all, you will be blacklisted. 

If you settle your debt early, then you will get an early settlement rebate.

One should really know what they are getting themselves into when they are obtaining financial aid.

Applying for the PTPTN loan is an option. To some, it could be their only option. So, if you don’t want to be burdened by it in the long run, don’t take up the loan. You could simply choose to work your way into a classroom. 

Free education could result in higher taxes being imposed to the Rakyat. As it is, Malaysia has one of the lowest income tax rates. Should the tax rate increase, Malaysia would definitely make headlines in international news. 

In some countries, they give out free education to the people. Yet some of them have become so complacent living life for free that they decided to continue on studying. Food for thought - so what will happen if all of us were still studying and none working?

MAYBE what the Government could do is suggest a conditional scholarship whereby only the outstanding performer deserves it. By way of loan converted into a scholarship which replicates the MARA mandate. Not to dive into socio economy, but it kills two birds with one stone doesn’t it? Because we all know that MARA is only eligible to bumiputeras. Or, the PTPTN loan could provide interest cut on the loan scheme which subsequently will attribute to ease their future financial commitments.

See, when you put aside all the political aspect of it, the dollars and cents, the quarrel and the qualms, at the end of the day, it’s a matter of whether you have received and equipped yourself with good education or not.

The economy works in such a way that it is accommodating to everyone – at least to most if not all. It all boils down to the basic necessities of demand and supply. It is a perpetual cycle that will crumble if you factor out just one aspect of that necessity.

But wait, I did touch on a few things that I didn't want to dwell didn't I? Oh well..

Ini aku punya dua sen - bukan kau punya kan?

Dulu, aku rasa terasing sebab aku tak apply PTPTN. Sekarang, baru aku faham dan rasa sangat bersyukur.