PARLIAMENT Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will not reduce the number of its sponsored students, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Jazlan Yaakub said nevertheless, Mara would study and make new policies on alternative countries to send its sponsored students, in light of the current economic situation.

Among others, he said, Mara would look at countries where the cost of living is lower yet could provide quality education and learning.

"For example, we will send fewer students to the United Kingdom and choose India where the cost of living is lower," he said in response to Othman Aziz (BN-Jerlun).

At the same time, Mara would also implement twinning programmes between Mara Education Institutes (IPMa) and certain selected public and private institutions that have collaborative programmes with overseas universities.

"In the past, students would be sent abroad directly to do the full programme.

“In light of the current economy, students will do the first two and a half years in the country and then at selected universities abroad for their Bachelor's degree," he said.

- Bernama