KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 4 -- The Anwar government's move to scrap the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan waiver for excellent students has triggered a wave of dismay and frustration among top-performing graduates, according to Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung.

The complaints point to a growing sense of betrayal among the nation's brightest, Lee suggested, many of whom had factored the loan exemption into their long-term financial planning.

The MP said several students had approached him about the issue, saying they worked tirelessly to achieve first-class honours only to see the promised financial relief abruptly withdrawn.

The incentive, which converted student loans into scholarships upon achieving first-class honours...