KUALA LUMPUR: Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who penned the Buku Harapan containing Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto, has apologised to the people for failing to keep the promise to abolish the National Higher Education Corporation Fund (PTPTN) loans.
The former Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) chief, who was appointed as PTPTN chairman after the May election, said PTPTN had tried to find the best mechanism to realise the manifesto promise but failed.
“I was among those who penned PH’s manifesto promises. I was responsible for the matter, including the pledge to postpone the repayment of PTPTN loans for those who earn below RM4,000 a month.
“I apologise to the people. At the time (when writing the manifesto), I was not aware of (the extent of) the national debt as well as the debt bore by PTPTN.
“PTPTN’s debt (at the time) was almost RM40 billion. If this promise was carried through, PTPTN’s debt would place a massive burden on the country’s finances,” he said.
Wan Saiful offered his open apology while speaking at the Federal Territories Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) annual meeting.
He said the PTPTN management had for a long time tried to resolve its debts but failed.
PTPTN has for a while been trying to manage the loans. I would like to state my admiration for the PTPTN management for their dedication to resolving the issue,” he said.
Wan Saiful nevertheless pledged to meet the promise to reduce the burden of borrowers who earn a monthly income of under RM4,000.
He also urged the leadership of PH component parties to organise a roundtable meeting to discuss the direction of its manifesto.
“It is time that PH’s partners within the government make a comprehensive decision with regards to its manifesto promises.
“It’s time that all the leaders convene and discuss which pledges are easily attainable and which should be reviewed, or scrapped altogether,” he said.