Cover image via Mampu
Public Service Department (JPA) scholars have been warned that the government might withdraw their sponsorship if they were found to have criticised the government
Image via ISMA Web
Public Service Department (JPA) director-general Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman told [Sinchew](http://www.mysinchew.com/node/117537) that **it was justifiable to remove scholarships from these students as they will "dent the country's image" through Facebook and blogs.**
He also commented that the prestigious scholarships were given to students to focus and excel in their educational pursuits, not to distribute inaccurate information detrimental to the government
"The government provides financial assistance to these students to allow them to focus on their studies to acquire knowledge and become professionals in future. **Their mission is to concentrate on their studies. Why do they spread lies without supporting statistics to taint the government's image?**" he said as quoted by Sinchew.
Image via The Rakyat Post
Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has spoken out against the warning, saying that it's an "outdated method that only scares students"
Image via The Malay Mail Online
The former champion debater said on his [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/syed.saddiq.1) that he has met numerous JPA scholars overseas who dared to voice their views and criticism about what they think can be improved about the country's governance.
"Previously, I went to the United Kingdom for a road tour where I met hundreds of Malaysian students in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, and there were no problems at all. **Even their scholarships were not withdrawn. If they are withdrawn, you can challenge them in the court of law,**" he said.
