ALLOCATION OF BUDGET TO HELP YOUNG MALAYSIAN

I refer to the opening address at the 2010 Budget Consultation meeting today by our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

I would like to request our Prime Minister who is also the Finance Minister to provide for a greater allocation in the upcoming Budget 2010 to help young Malaysian in our country, in particular in the aspect of education.

As such, I hope that the government would be able to make allocation in the Budget 2010 to set up a new Malaysian scholarship foundation to finance the exemption of repayment of PTPTN Loan for 1st class Graduates and 30% discount for 2nd Class Upper Graduates.

I am of the view that recognition of students’ academic excellence is an important aspect in developing a more vibrant and dynamic young Malaysians as well as to culture a feeling of gratitude among youth to serve our country in a more sincere manner. This would in turn promote the development of human capital in Malaysia.

It would be disappointing to see that Malaysian students, who were not granted scholarship initially but actually performed up to expectation not being rewarded for their academic excellence.

Previously, the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin replied that the Ministry “can only consider this when the financial situation of PTPTN is sustainable”. The exemption for repayment of the PTPTN Loan by 1st class Graduates was stopped 2 years ago.

Thus, it would be timely for the Finance Ministry to assist in forming the new Malaysian scholarship foundation to ease the burden of PTPTN to allow for the exemption of repayment by 1st class Graduates and 30% discount for 2nd Class Upper Graduates.