a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] PM: Govt to consider partial debt write-off for UNIKOP College
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will consider the possibility of a debt write-off for the Royal Malaysia Police Cooperative Bhd (RMPC)'s UNIKOP College premises in Cyberjaya for the year 2024, payable to Cyberview Sdn Bhd.
However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said any such move must be carried out responsibly, with a focus on ensuring the cooperative's sustainable management.
"I do not think it is reasonable for us to write off everything, but I believe that with good management and solid performance, we can offer a reasonable reduction," he said in his keynote address at the RMPC 90th Annual General Meeting.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, requested that the cooperative's financial report be submitted to the Finance Ministry.
"But more importantly, the cooperative must submit a report to the Home Ministry and to me.
"I will look into how we can move forward, and I have instructed the Finance Minister II and the Treasury secretary-general to explore other avenues through which the cooperative's profits can be channelled to benefit the wider membership," he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Razarudin appealed to the government to consider a request for a reduction in rental payments and the cancellation of outstanding debts for the UNIKOP College premises in Cyberjaya for 2024, payable to Cyberview Sdn Bhd.
He said that approving the request would further strengthen efforts to upgrade the college into a leading university for policing and security in the Southeast Asian region.
Commenting further, Anwar said good governance is a fundamental principle of administration, not only because it enhances efficiency, but also because it helps reduce expenditure.
"Governance is critical. Are there weaknesses? Of course, there are, but we are working to address them.
"The core principle of managing public tenders is essential, as proper tendering alone can save billions of ringgit.
"Good governance should not be taken lightly.
"Those billions can be redirected towards upgrading dilapidated schools, funding skills training for our youth, and providing healthcare for our parents. That is precisely what we are doing," he said.