The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Ismail Mohamed Said said that it was a test to PKR on whether they could provide free education.
KUALA LUMPUR: The loan freeze to students studying in Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and Islamic University College (Kuis) proved that PKR painted itself into a corner and had to be rescued.
Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Ismail Mohamed Said said PKR trapped itself as it could not afford to give free education to students from both the learning insitutions.
Speaking at the Parliament today, Ismail also said that PKR was only good at giving out empty promises.
“During debates, PKR leaders boldly say that they want to abolish PTPTN and give free education to students.
“So, we tested them on Unisel. In three days, they (Selangor state government) asked us to restore the loans to students.
“Even Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim acknowledged that they can’t give free education to students at its own varsities,” said Ismail.
Last week, PTPTN froze its loans to students studying at Selangor state government-run campuses, Unisel and Kuis, which drew flak from opposition leaders and several Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders.
The decision was backed by Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. However, the loans were restored in Friday after a public outcry.
On accusations that it was childish for PTPTN to freeze the loans, Ismail, who is also Kuala Krau MP, said that it was PKR that was being childish by saying they could give free education.
He also said that although the opposition leaders kept saying higher education was under the federal government’s prerogative, the state governments do build their own universities and colleges.
“If you can give free education, why not start with your own campuses? “asked Ismail.
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