CHIEF Minister Lim Guan Eng has assured the people that despite the downturn in the economy, the Penang state government will continue to hand out financial aid.
“I heard that the student loans (PTPTN) from the Federal government have been reduced. However, rest assured that the Penang state government will not reduce even a single sen from the aid handed out by the state government. As long as we are in the government, we will continue with this financial aid of RM1,000 for students entering public universities.
“This was never done before in Penang. Now that we are in the government, we will continue. The Penang state bears the additional burdens of GST for the rakyat. In Penang, the rakyat is the priority as the saying goes – Rakyat diutamakan,” Lim told a group of vibrant, enthusiastic young people who are entering university.
They were there at the Pesta grounds in Sungai Nibong on Sept 16 to receive the aid.
A total of over 300 students received the aid of RM1,000.
In total, over RM12 million had been given out since 2008 to 13,447 students.
Two students who received the aid, Calvin Low and Cheah Cai Wen, found the speech by the Chief Minister inspiring.
When asked how they find the CM, Cheah said: “He is friendly and I agree with what he said about returning home to Penang to work when we have graduated. There are lots of job opportunities here.”
Lim had urged all the students to honour and appreciate their teachers and parents for their upbringing and love.
“Penang is a suitable place for your career and a perfect place to set up your family in future. You can achieve your dreams and aspirations because in Penang, you have the freedom. Penang’s dreams are your dreams too,” Lim said to the applause of the students and their parents.