Maszlee tells student protesters he will remain IIUM president

Noel Achariam Noel Achariam Updated 5 years ago · Published on 12 Sep 2018 9:22PM · 12 Comments

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik speaking to student activists near Universiti Malaya today. They have given him seven days to step down as IIUM president. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, September 12, 2018.

EDUCATION Minister Dr Maszlee Malik will continue in his role as International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president, but promised student activists that he will raise the matter with the prime minister.

He said he wanted to stay on and elevate IIUM, making it “the Oxford of Muslim countries”.

“I was appointed with a mission to raise IIUM’s stature, which has been eroded internationally and locally.

“It would be irresponsible to reject it (the appointment). I will carry out my responsibilities, and when it’s all done, I will step down.

“But, I will meet with Dr Mahathir first,” he said after meeting with student activists, who oppose his IIUM appointment, at Amjal restaurant, opposite Universiti Malaya, today.

The meeting ended in a stalemate, with both sides standing their ground.

The students are firm in their demand that Maszlee resign as IIUM president immediately, failing which they will continue to hold protests.

Their spokesman, Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi, said they were giving the minister seven days to relinquish the IIUM position.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik says he will raise the matter of his appointment as IIUM president with the prime minister. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, September 12, 2018.

“We are disappointed with the meeting with Maszlee.

“He was giving fluff reasons for not resigning, such as he wants to make changes to IIUM. He is violating the university’s autonomy.”

He added that all universities should be free of political appointments.

Maszlee said the IIUM president had no absolute power over the university as it had its own constitution, unlike other institutions, which followed the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA).

He said he was not in violation of any law, as the IIUM board of governors was not bound by UCCA.

“What people need to understand is that IIUM is an international university, where the board of governors includes foreigners.

“It is not my decision to become president. I was appointed by my superiors.”

He said he was appointed by Dr Mahathir, and received Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah’s consent. – September 12, 2018.

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Comments

  • Then he should step down as Education Minister.

    Posted 5 years ago by Gaik Cheng Khoo · Reply

  • Good idea that Maslee steps down as Minister of Education. He will have more time to make IIUM better than Oxford

    Posted 5 years ago by Philip Ting · Reply

  • Incredible! That too in Malaysia. Maszlee is very sporting and entertained them humbly. But their recalcitrant stand may backfire if they push too hard to the point of rudeness when they do not even stand up and acknowledge him and rudely refuse the bottled water he offered. Hey kiddos dont bite more than you can chew.

    Posted 5 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

    • Yes we can see the arrogance by the students.......

      Posted 5 years ago by Azis Yusoff · Reply

  • Maszlee. It is irrational in your response. You can't have the best of both and even have the cakes and eat it too. Reliquish one and it will be fine . Since it is your utmost desire to make IIUM on par as Oxford, go ahead nobody stop you and since it is a request by PM and the Sultan I support you to abide by their decision. As for the Minister of Education portfolio since it is not a priority of your choice and the role do not hold any prominence in your heartfelt desire to undertake ------PLEASE !!! PLEASE !!! tender in your resignation as Minister of Education to the PM . We shall support you on that too

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Does this man not understand what a conflict of interest means?

    Posted 5 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • There are countless things that are wrong with our education system. Ph was voted in to make a change. And you have done nothing of substance thus far. What a freaking disappointment! What about the other universities? Don't they need to be elevated too?

    Posted 5 years ago by Lyn Y · Reply

  • Seriously the worst Minister.

    Posted 5 years ago by Chean Ang Heng · Reply

  • Yes, follow your heart in your desire to remain as President of IIUM & bring it in par with Oxford. Malaysian would salute you in your achievements. But don't try to wear 2 hats at the same time as both positions requires utmost attention. Please step down as Education Minister if you truly mean to see a revamp of Malaysian Education. 100 days have passed and we have not seen any blueprint out from you. Let someone else who has the time and passion to take over this portfolio

    Posted 5 years ago by Witzi Leong · Reply

    • Good point... both positions need lots of commitment and dedication.. so choose Maszlee. President of IIUM or Ministerial position.

      Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply

  • Since IIUM is his focus instead of raising the overall education standards, then Maszlee should resign as the Education Minister. Also since he is so obedient to the Sultan of Pahang, he might as well quit as the MP of Simpang Renggam and move to Pekan.

    Posted 5 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • To students...lets focus more to your studies..less demostrations thats ur utmost priority the minister and ppl knew your reasoning...malaysians are not stupid we will vote with our head comes next ge.

    Posted 5 years ago by Abdul Murad Othman · Reply