Don't be a political stooge, PTPTN officers told

PTPTN officers should not cover for the blunders made by ministers who use the public service to further their political aims, says Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's political secretary Faekah Hussin.

This, she said, appeared to be the case in regard to PTPTN chairperson Ismail Mohamed Said, who was forced to make an about-turn after a firestorm broke when he followed instructions to freeze student loans to two Selangor-owned educational institutions.

"Unfortunately for the PTPTN chief, after he abided by the minister's orders, he was forced to retract the decision and make a false statement that supposedly the Selangor government was unable to provide free education," she said, adding that Selangor was already in the midst of setting up an emergency assistance fund for the affected students.

Faekah added that the entire episode was a warning to public servants not to abide by politicians' orders blindly.

"If there are any politicians or ministers who are emotional, childish and less intelligent in their approach, public servants as professionals must be brave in standing up to them," she said.

Putrajaya’s antics

Faekah also blasted government ministers for "hiding behind public servants" and using the public service to advance their political ambitions, which risk damaging the institution's credibility.

"They (ministers) must have the courage to take responsibility for their mistakes and apologise to all students in Malaysia for trying to sacrifice their future for their narrow political aims.

She added that the Selangor state government had responded calmly in facing the federal government’s antics, which failed to differentiate between politics and public administration.

"We are confident that we can provide free education but it has to be reminded that this responsibility comes under the federal government. 

"Give us that mandate, and we will execute it," she said.