KUALA LUMPUR: Those who have relapsed on National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) study loans could soon find themselves "eased" into repayment of loans if Congress of Unions of Employees in Public and Civil Service (Cuepacs) president Datuk Azih Muda has his way.
Azih has proposed a salary deduction scheme, which the National Co-operative Movement of Malaysia (ANGKASA) is ready to implement in order for the PTPTN to recoup some 33,000 relapsed loans that have affected the body's capability to support studies of subsequent generations of students.
"There is talk about disciplinary action on those who have relapsed on their loans. That will not help because what the government needs to do is replenish the funds so that the next generation of students are able to benefit from the PTPTN loans," said Azih.
"The graduates have their excuses of why they have not been paying these loans when it is their responsibility. But whatever it is, this is a breach in the agreement when they received the loans.
"If this salary deduction scheme still fails, then further action could be to suspend their passports. We know many of these graduates are able to go on holidays abroad, but yet fail to repay their study loans," said Azih.
On another note, Azih called for ministers who have suggested disciplinary action against public servants who enforced regulations introduced by the government to first withdraw those regulations, citing hypocrisy in such practices.
He was referring to an incident at a Road Transport Department (RTD) service centre on June 10, when a woman in shorts was asked to wear a sarong before being attended to, which went viral on social media prompting reactions from ministers.
"If this is the case, the government needs to withdraw such dress codes first because those who enforce it are, instead of being praised for carrying out their duties, being victimised," said Azih.
He added that Cuepacs plans to award certificates of recognition to the officers involved in upholding their duties by enforcing the rules.