I have a problem trying to understand the threat issued by Cuepacs to the National Higher Education Loan Fund (PTPTN). The threat was to withdraw authorisation given to PTPTN to automatically make deductions from salaries of civil servants who have outstanding loans with the agency. The argument was the deductions were too big and had adversely affected the survival of government servants.
According to a report, one civil servant was left with only RM19.00 on her payslip after the PTPTN loan deduction.
PKR Youth has come out in support of Cuepacs, arguing that PTPTN should review its policy on salary deductions. The present economic circumstances merit sensitivity and considerations from PTPTN and other loan agencies to mitigate the suffering of the rakyat.
I have an inkling that what we have heard so far is perhaps only half of the story. When we take loans, there are conditions attached to the loans. Since when was Cuepacs’ authorisation needed in order for PTPTN or other loan agencies to recover repayments according to schedules?
We love to champion the debtors and the poor. But it is also the obligation and responsibility of borrowers to pay back loans they have taken.
I am sure there are predetermined repayment schedules which are reasonable to the borrowers. When civil servants are left with RM19.00 after deduction, I think we have to look at the issue in greater detail. Did the deduction include other loans and obligations besides PTPTN loans?
I know for a fact that many government servants take personal loans from banks and cooperatives for the slightest of reasons even though they are already up to their necks in PTPTN loans. They treat loans as extra income. While there may be a genuine need for loans, many have also borrowed needlessly to indulge in a lifestyle beyond their means – buying furniture, fanciful smart phones, going on holidays, hosting elaborate wedding receptions, et cetera. I am not saying they shouldn’t get married; I am questioning the need to spend excessively when one is already in debt.
It is time to instil financial responsibility. Government servants at least have jobs that earn them an income. The plight of unemployed graduates saddled with PTPTN loans is even worse.
I think Ceupacs and PKR Youth are indulging in populism. Don’t be a godfather to debtors. They should not interfere if PTPTN is following the predetermined schedules to recover loans from debtors. Otherwise, they are encouraging financial irresponsibility and default among government servants.
Don’t ever let our people think that they can borrow without paying back.