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Thursday, 11 August 2011

RM53.4 Million Allocated To Help Students Entering Universities - Najib

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has set aside RM53.4 million in initial financial aid for 35,664 students who will be entering local institutions of higher learning (IPTs) starting Sept 3, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The prime minister said eligible students would receive RM1,500 in financial aid two weeks before the date of enrolment.

"This is one of our efforts in line with the principle of democratisation of education.

"Believe me, the government will continue to help young people as they are the nation's future and we will do our best to ensure brighter future for youths," he said at the breaking of fast with student leaders from 68 local and foreign IPTs at Seri Perdana here Wednesday night.

The prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin were present.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the assistance was meant for students from families earning not more than RM4,000 per month and had never received a PTPTN loan before.

In another development, he said various proactive programmes were being carried out to ensure brighter future for youths in the country.

As a caring government that places importance on the welfare of young people, he said the Higher Education Ministry had never thought of raising university fees.

"Although the prices of all items, including houses and food such as nasi lemak and teh tarik are rising but tuition fees have not been increased. I want to emphasise that tuition fees have never been reviewed in this country," he said.

Turning to riots in London and several West Asian countries such as Libya, he said the uprisings erupted as young people were not given ample opportunities in education and employment.

Najib said the existence of 21 public universities and scores of private institutions of higher learning clearly showed the democratisation of education in the country was running well.

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