KUALA LUMPUR: Students studying in institutes of higher learning in Malaysia should be given fuel subsidies to reduce their cost of living.
Ammar Adnan, student representative from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn offered this proposal in his debate on the presidential policy address, on the second day of the 71st Umno General Assembly today.
He said the fuel subsidies should be given to students with motorcycles under 150cc.
"If the government can give us this subsidy, it would be a tremendous help in reducing our daily expenses.
"I would also suggest that debit cards be utilised for this subsidised fuel and only be valid at Petronas fuel pumps nationwide," he said to a thundering show of support from delegates.
Ammar said all this while, the government had been concerned with the welfare of students, not forgetting those in the B40 category.
For them, he suggested for their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan be converted into scholarships upon 2nd upper class achievement.
"Education is the basis of a people, it changes lives and the rise and fall of a family.
"For B40 students, converting their PTPTN loans into scholarships will pave the way for them to achieve greater success in the future.
"We are thus not only helping one particular student, but also their families and their future."
Ammar also pledged the support of students behind Umno machinery in the 14th General Election, saying that the actions of the leaders of today was imperative in determining the lives of the youth tomorrow.