KOTA KINABALU: News over the federal cabinet decision not to go ahead with the proposal to link the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) with Bank Negara’s credit reference database came as a relief to many.
Stephanie Laura Joannes, for one, is among those who took a deep breath after learning the good news through a news portal yesterday.
“I graduated about two years ago, and although I am working now, I would really like to secure a job from the course I took
because it defeats all purpose of spending four years studying but in the end, not doing what you learned,” said the 24-year-old lass.
She said from her monthly earning, she tries to set aside a little bit as payment for the PTPTN loan, but explained: “With the high living costs in the city, it is hard to make ends meet sometimes.”
Joannes said when she first heard the decision to link PTPTN to Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS), she was worried as already, borrowers like herself were forced to pay up, and despite having low salaries, they might also not be able to have a chance to own a house or car, if blacklisted.
But the latest decision had lifted a heavy burden on her shoulder, and she thanked the government for listening to the people’s plight.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Wednesday in his tweet, thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the education ministers for the decision.
“Just finished with the cabinet meeting. PTPTN will not go ahead with its proposal to list the defaulters under CCRIS” – his tweet read.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, who is also the minister-in-charge-of-education, also described it as a ‘good decision’, especially for new graduates in who are just seeking a foothold in life.
“It is not easy to find a job in Sabah for graduates who are expecting ‘a graduate post’. Many are doing odd-jobs while waiting for suitable ones and some may have ventured into small businesses.
“Obviously, many graduates would experience ups and downs in their initial career so we should allow them reasonable time to really settle down.
“Getting them out of the CCRIS system would lift some burden on them in their endeavour to seek a more permanent and steady career,” said Masidi in a text message.
Last Monday, Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh had announced that PTPTN would be collaborating with Bank Negera to list its loan defaulters under CCRIS.
He said the system would be put in place for those who were adamant about not repaying their loans.
The announcement has drawn flak from many quarters across the political divide, saying the move would create more difficulties for the students.