Warisan Pledges To Settle Student Loans For Sabah Borrowers

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Warisan president Shafie Apdal has pledged that his party would write off or repay the education loans such as the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) once the state becomes financially strong under his leadership.
Shafie said the plan would cover both Yayasan Sabah study loans and PTPTN debts owed by graduates from the state.
“If Sabah has sufficient funds, I will provide free scholarships for our children to enter university.
“I will also write off all study loans owed to Yayasan Sabah by government officers, whether serving or retired,” he said in his speech at the STPM Excellence Drive and Smart TV Donation Ceremony in Semporna on Saturday.
“Graduates who are working but still burdened by PTPTN debt, who struggle to pay rent or even afford a car, I will settle their loans. The money will be reserved for Anak Sabah,” he said.
Shafie framed the proposal as part of a wider vision to ensure that the state’s resources directly benefit its people.
The pledge is also seen as part of Warisan’s potential election manifesto to be implemented if the party secures power in the upcoming state election.
No Malaysian state has ever fully written off PTPTN loans, although Sarawak introduced a partial repayment scheme in 2021 that cleared 30 percent of eligible debts.
Full scholarships
Earlier in his speech, Shafie said Warisan would also fund full scholarships for Anak Sabah to enter university once the state’s finances are secure, calling it an investment in the next generation.
He said the scholarships would target key disciplines such as from engineering to medicine to equip local youths for real jobs instead of leaving them with debt.
Shafie said building Sabah talent is crucial to lifting families out of poverty and driving the economy.
ADSIn another development, Shafie also voiced concern over the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who reportedly fell from her school dormitory in Papar.
Deceased school student Zara Qairina Mahathir“Recently, there was also an incident where a child fell from the school and died.”
“If it is true - and we are not making accusations - if there is bullying in schools, firm action must be taken,” he said.
He added that the student’s mother had requested an autopsy while he noted the growing concerns of parents and wider community over the case.
“What worries me is that yesterday, the mother insisted that an autopsy be carried out. It shows she clearly has doubts.”
“We do not want speculation and accusations to spread on social media. This is not good. If investigations can be done quickly, it will put the matter to rest,” he said. - Mkini

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