KUALA LUMPUR: Puteri Umno has proposed for the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to extend its study loans to Malaysians studying abroad.
This is what Puteri chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin plans to put forth to the government to alleviate the burden faced by undergraduates who are unable to cope with the rising cost of living.
She said the proposal came from several student groups, including Sekretariat Mahasiswi Nasional (SWiNAS).
"I am concerned with the issue highlighted by SWiNAS over PTPTN. Among the issues brought up was a suggestion for the PTPTN loans to be extended to those who are furthering their studies overseas.
"Puteri Umno acknowledges there are many graduates who who want to further their studies overseas but did not receive any scholarships or loans from Majlis Amanah Rakyat or the Public Services Department.
"These students are forced to bear a high cost of living, to the extent that some parents have to pawn their property or land just to make sure that their children can succeed abroad," said Mas Ermieyati in her winding up speech at the Puteri Umno assembly.
She said that even if Malaysian students could not obtain full loans, partial loans would still benefit these students.
"If they do not receive full loans, they could be given half or quarter loans for the students' expenses or cost of living. This is important as they are the country's assets for the future," she said.
Mas Ermieyati said Puteri Umno should also uphold the competitive spirit of the Negaraku mentality, which encompasses values and unity.
"The Negaraku mentality is based on Islamic teachings and will determine the direction of our civilisation.
"This mentality is about upholding the country's constitutional monarchy, and it is through this way that we will be able to continue to empower women," she said.
On the Opposition, Mas Ermieyati warned Umno members against being influenced by lies being spread by them.
She said Umno members should be wary of DAP, especially Malay leaders in DAP as they do not represent the aspirations of the Malays.
"How many Malays are in the DAP central executive committee? For the very few selected, be wary of their agenda. They do not reflect the needs of the Malays.
"Just yesterday, (DAP member) Datuk Zaid Ibrahim clearly insulted the institution of the Malay rulers," said Mas Ermieyati.
Zaid's recent statement appeared to have criticised Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
This comes after the ruler had warned politicians not to capitalise on sensitive issues, which included race and religion, to garner votes.
Zaid took to his Twitter account and wrote: “When some Rulers play politics; they must know the consequences. Don’t think there is no price for partisanship”.
He also tweeted: “Sultan Selangor should be careful with his words. No one is immune when country burns”.
Additional reporting by TEH ATHIRA YUSOF.