18/06/2025

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 18, 2025

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Former MIC president Palanivel dies

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended condolences to the family of former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel ( pic ) who died yesterday. In a Facebook post, Anwar said Palanivel left an indelible mark on the nation through his roles as MP, MIC president and various government positions since 1990. “His contributions to championing the Indian community, rural development and environmental conservation are deeply valued. “May his family find strength in this time of loss,” he said. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also offered condolences to Palanivel’s family. He said the nation has lost not only a political figure but also a gem whose

dedicated service shaped Malaysia’s progress. “Beneath his calm and quiet demeanor was a leader’s spirit that poured boundless devotion into serving the people and the nation. To the MIC and Barisan Nasional (BN) family, this loss is profoundly felt. He was more than a leader, he was a friend, mentor and unifying figure. “His legacy, sacrifices and service as MIC president, MP and cabinet minister will live on in our history and memories.” Palanivel, 76, died at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am yesterday, according to confirmation from party sources. He was born on March 1, 1949 in Penang. A veteran politician and long-serving member of the MIC, he

His funeral is scheduled for Thursday. – Bernama

Throughout his political career, Palanivel held several ministerial positions and was an influential voice for the Indian community within the BN coalition. His ministerial roles included deputy rural development minister (1999-2004), deputy welfare and family development minister (2004-2008), deputy plantation industries and commodities minister (2008-2011), minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Indian Affairs (2011-2013) and the natural resources and environment minister (2013-2015). As MP, he represented Hulu Selangor for four consecutive terms, from his victory in the 1990 general election and continuing until 2008. He later served as the MP for Cameron Highlands from 2013 to 2018.

became the party’s eighth president on Dec 6, 2010, succeeding (the late) Tun S. Samy Vellu. His political journey began decades earlier, including serving as Samy Vellu’s secretary in the early 1990s, before rising through the ranks. Palanivel began his professional career as a broadcast journalist, working with RTM before joining Bernama in 1977. He later rose to become the agency’s economic news editor. He transitioned into politics and served in a series of key leadership roles within his party. He was treasurer-general from 1991 to 1994, vice-president from 1995 to 2005, deputy president from 2006 to 2010, and ultimately as president from 2010 to 2015.

Loan defaults threaten higher education funding

Legislation for primary eye care providers PUTRAJAYA: The Optometry Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this October, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the proposed legislation would serve as a dedicated legal framework to regulate all aspects of the optometry profession in Malaysia. “It will be a stand-alone act governing the practice, training, registration and scope of duties for optometrists which are distinct from opticians,” he told reporters after launching the Primary Eye Care Service Guidelines for the Optometry Profession yesterday. Dzulkefly added that the bill is also expected to cover online sales of optical products, as well as enforcement provisions and penalties to safeguard consumer safety. “The legislation is crucial in elevating optometry as a recognised, qualified, safe and effective professional field.” Dzulkefly highlighted the critical role of optometrists in the primary healthcare system, particularly in the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma and other retinal conditions. “Optometrists are not only responsible for managing refractive errors, but they also serve as a vital frontline in identifying eye diseases linked to NCDs.” He acknowledged that Malaysia has yet to meet the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of one optometrist per 10,000 population. “We are currently at a ratio of 1:16,000, which affects the health system’s capacity to provide equitable and quality eye care services to the people.” Dzulkefly also said Malaysia produces only about 200 optometrists annually, reflecting the need for a strategic approach to workforce development through expanded training and capacity building. He also expressed concern over the low coverage of regular vision screening and the financial burden of treatment, including cataract surgery and the purchase of corrective lenses, which continues to fall on the majority of Malaysians, particularly those in rural areas. – Bernama

“Eventually, this could force the government to tighten loan access or cut back funding, hurting deserving students who rely on the loans to pursue higher education. “A stronger repayment culture is essential to keep the system sustainable for future generations.” Teh emphasised that the higher education fund and educational institutions must collaborate more closely to instil repayment responsibility early on. He said tackling issues before graduation could help reduce defaults and promote accountability among borrowers. “They should identify at-risk students – those with poor academic performance, financial struggles or limited job prospects – and provide targeted support such as financial counselling, flexible repayment plans and career guidance.” It was reported that Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir had revealed that 400,000 PTPTN borrowers who graduated over a decade ago have yet to make a single repayment, with arrears now totalling RM5 billion.

reflect current market demands, while employers increasingly seek real-world skills, adaptability and experience over paper qualifications. “To boost repayment rates, we must first bridge the employability gap through closer industry academia collaboration and more relevant, future-ready training.” Teh also said PTPTN repayment structure failed to account for borrowers’ varied financial realities. “A one-size-fits-all approach that ignores fluctuating income levels often pushes borrowers to delay or avoid repayment altogether. “Enforcement and incentives are also lacking. Delays rarely lead to consequences, and there are minimal rewards for early or consistent repayments.” He warned that widespread non-repayment creates a ripple effect that extends beyond numbers, eroding trust in the system. “Responsible borrowers may feel short-changed, and future students may worry that funds won’t be available for them. Worse, it signals that taking a loan without repaying is acceptable.

o Experts caution rising and persistent non-repayment risks straining govt resources and may restrict future financing options

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

president Dr Teh Choon Jin said weak enforcement and inconsistent follow-up have created a perception that education loan repayments are not urgent. He said PTPTN’s repayment system is often seen as rigid and poorly communicated. “Without strong enforcement, flexible repayment options or meaningful incentives, many borrowers end up delaying repayment indefinitely. “Students don’t always treat the loans as real financial obligations while studying. After graduation, low or unstable incomes make it hard to prioritise repayment.” Teh pointed out that the mismatch between academic qualifications and job market needs is undermining graduates’ ability to repay their loans. He said many students graduate with degrees that don’t

PETALING Malaysia’s education financing system is facing mounting pressure due to the growing number of National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan defaulters. Experts warn that continued failure by borrowers to repay their study loans could strain government resources, limit future funding availability and threaten the long-term sustainability of the country’s higher education support. Universiti Teknologi Mara Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development coordinator Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said sustained default patterns may prompt tighter lending rules, which could restrict access to higher education for lower-income groups. “Many borrowers struggle to repay their loans due to underemployment and low starting salaries, especially when they land in mismatched or oversaturated job markets. “The problem worsens as stagnant wages force borrowers to prioritise basic living expenses over loan repayments, leading to more defaults and prolonged debt.” Mohamad Idham said income based repayment schemes or automatic deductions via the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) could improve repayment rates by aligning payments with borrowers’ income, reducing default risk and promoting fairness. “However, poorly structured deductions may burden low-income earners, so careful policy design is critical.” National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy JAYA:

Experts call for stronger

enforcement and repayment culture to safeguard higher education financing rules. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN