THE Higher Education Ministry (KPT) is set to assess proposals to exempt first-class honours graduates from private universities from repaying loans under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), focusing on students from low- and middle-income families.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir clarified that, at present, repayment exemptions are only granted to students from similar income backgrounds who earn first-class honours at public universities.
“Regarding private institutions, previously there was [a PTPTN repayment exemption] and the Ministry is currently conducting a comprehensive evaluation,” he said during the winding-up debate on the 2026 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat.
“This includes assessing the grading system at private universities, which varies. At public universities, we know there is a clear system. If you obtain first-class honours, it is unequivocally first-class. This does not mean I am questioning the validity of first-class degrees at private institutions. We simply need the best mechanism in place,” he added.
Dr Zambry’s remarks were in response to a proposal by Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) to extend the PTPTN repayment exemption to top graduates of private higher education institutions.
On another note, Dr Zambry addressed claims suggesting that Malaysia’s matriculation system is inferior to the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM). He dismissed such assertions as inaccurate.
“To say that the matriculation system is lower than STPM is not correct. We look at the overall framework to ensure all students have the opportunity to pursue higher education in line with their results,” he said, citing the allocation of courses to students with top grades.
Earlier, the Ministry plans to introduce a new subject within the General Studies curriculum at universities, emphasising human development and Islamic worldview (tasawwur Islam).
“This General Studies subject is an initiative to instil good manners and character. Historically, its implementation has not been consistent, with multiple approaches since its introduction in 1996,” Dr Zambry explained.
He noted that consultations had aligned differing schools of thought on the subject and stressed the importance of continuing character and values education from schools to universities.
“The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also wants the curriculum to ensure continuity in character development. The challenge is integrating this process comprehensively, encompassing understanding, intellect, and moral development,” he added. - November 3, 2025
