JPA scholarships not abolished says Azalina

The government claimed that it did not abolish the Public Service Department (JPA) scholarship, as alleged by certain parties.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman stressed that the government had allocated RM1.65 billion in 2016 to sponsor students through the scholarship.

"This shows that the government indeed care about education. I hope people will not politicise and manipulate this issue and cause further confusion," said Azalina.

According to Azalina, even though the government saved RM240 million by cancelling 744 overseas scholarships, sponsors for students would continue for local studies.

She stated that the government is still sponsoring JPA scholarships for 49,060 students (41,324 students locally and 7,736 students abroad).