GOMBAK: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) will issue a statement regarding its consideration to hold funding for university courses where student repayment rates fall below 30 per cent.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir declined to comment further, but said PTPTN would address the matter based on the discussions and viewpoints shared during their meetings.
"I don't want to comment (on PTPTN to stop funding for courses with low repayment rates) because PTPTN will issue an official statement because they have a committee set up," he said.
Zambry said this after presenting scrolls at the third session of the 40th convocation ceremony of the International Islamic University Malaysia here today.
On Nov 14, PTPTN chief executive officer Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid said during a webinar that it was considering holding funding for university courses with student repayment rates below 30 per cent.
Dasuki said PTPTN was looking at ways to work with universities to encourage a loan repayment culture among borrowers.
Meanwhile, Zambry said all parties should refrain from drawing conclusions, as PTPTN takes all factors into account when making decisions.
"We should not jump to conclusions, (however) PTPTN considers all aspects.
"For example, some months ago, a statement was issued regarding those who have never made any repayments.
"I think this is where we need to focus, not on those who may have missed payments for a period due to personal circumstances, as someone who is employed today may be unemployed next year," he said.
Zambry said PTPTN took various factors into account, and open communications between borrowers and PTPTN are essential to understand borrowers' situations and difficulties.
When asked on MCA's call to restrict certain activities such as purchasing property, cars or travelling abroad, Zambry said such suggestions have been made by several parties.
However, he said the government listens to all viewpoints.
"We listen to all viewpoints… We will take what is good, but we do not want to be seen as an institution that is harsh and lacks empathy to make decisions… We must make decisions that take all factors into consideration," he said.