PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has brushed aside criticism that his government is a “U-turn” government.
Sometimes, he said, it was necessary for the government to turn around when it realised that it was going the wrong way.
Dr Mahathir was commenting on the postponement of the implementation of the new repayment scheme for National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers.
”But only if necessary...we are not perfect people, although most of us are angels,” he said sarcastically after chairing Pakatan Harapan’s presidential council meeting here today.
“But, even angels make mistakes. So, when angels make mistakes they turn around too.”
Dr Mahathir said the scheme was postponed because of protests.
”Many are not satisfied. We have a population of 33 million people...so, it is a bit difficult when people react in a negative manner.
“We take into consideration the opinions of the people.
“We will modify it and make an announcement later.”
He denied rumours of a cabinet reshuffle.
In a Facebook posting yesterday, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said: “The mechanism for the new PTPTN repayment scheme will be postponed, taking into consideration the need to hold discussions with various stakeholders to hear their views and recommendations.”
On Wednesday, PTPTN had announced that scheduled salary deductions would begin in January for borrowers earning RM2,000 or more monthly.