He said this would be more sustainable, and would improve the people’s economic status.

“Then, they can pay back their debts,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

“What is more important is continuity. So we encourage whichever state government to open up more job opportunities that are more sustainable, with higher salaries for the people.”

The RM30 million allocation for National Higher Education Fund Corporation borrowers in Sarawak was part of the 2020 state budget tabled on Nov 4.

On supposedly racist comments made by Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Salahuddin Ayub during a closed-door session with voters in Tanjung Piai, Maszlee said he had not heard about them.

“I do not know of this matter. I have not heard of the (speech),” he said.

Salahuddin has defended his speech, saying it was misunderstood.

He said he was not igniting racism but reminding people about the dangers of extremism.