Solve loan problems at all affected institutions, PKR tells Mara chairman

A comprehensive solution is needed to solve Majlis Amanah Rakyat's (Mara) educational funding problems at all affected private institutions, not only Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), PKR Youth student bureau chief Fahmi Zainol told Mara chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa. Fahmi said those affected were mainly Bumiputera students under Mara's funding through the MyEduloan system which has yet to be opened. He also criticised Annuar for allowing the funding problem to continue for years, saying the solution could be made in a matter of days following pressure from various groups. "The Mara problem went on for two years and eventually solved in less than a week after pressure from various groups. "This is proven by a portion of Annuar's statement that a large number of the 510 UniKL students that had previously decided to stop or postpone their education have now agreed to continue last Monday." He said this showed Annuar had failed to fulfil his responsibilities. "It has to be reminded that the total number (of students in UniKL) did not include students from other institutions affected by the same problem." A study by the PKR Youth students' bureau showed that close to 1,000 new students at 33 private colleges were finding it hard to continue their studies after Mara stopped giving out education loans. The findings again highlighted claims that government-linked aid for tertiary education is shrinking this year. Mara meanwhile was reported as saying last week that RM264 million had been allocated for UniKL students who complained they had not received promised loans. – February 17, 2016.]]>