Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli says constructive criticism has led to tangible policy improvements, including free education for B40 and PwD students.
MELAKA: The Madani government remains open to constructive criticism as a means to refine and improve its policies.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said this approach has yielded positive results, including the implementation of free education for specific student groups.
“Some 10,000 B40 students are now receiving free education and about 3,000 PwD students will also benefit from the same initiative,” he told reporters after officiating a cheque presentation ceremony in Ayer Keroh today.
He noted this was an achievement that had never been implemented before, yet was rarely highlighted.
Commenting on travel restrictions for defaulting National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers, Adam Adli said the government does not adopt a blanket policy.
“We do not agree with restricting all borrowers,” he explained.
He said the government assesses a borrower’s financial position, employment status and repayment capability before any action is taken.
The restriction involves only about 0.7% of defaulters who have high incomes, can afford to pay but refuse to negotiate.
“We prioritise negotiations and assistance to help them settle their loans because we cannot punish borrowers who took loans solely to pursue their studies,” he added.
Earlier, he presented a RM1 million cheque for the construction of an open hall at Sekolah Kebangsaan Ayer Keroh.
The project is managed by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department in Melaka.
Adam Adli said the facility will include a stage, audio system, toilets and changing rooms to support school activities.
Completion of the hall, which will benefit over 800 pupils and staff, is expected within 48 weeks.