PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has downplayed a brewing controversy over its Kuala Kubu Baharu candidate’s academic credentials after critics claimed Khairul Azhari Saut had misrepresented himself by claiming to have obtained a master’s degree.

Selangor Perikatan Nasional chairman Mohamed Azmin Ali said Khairul’s credentials have been meticulously screened and he was the right candidate for the party.

He said the party was content with his performance, track record and qualifications to present to the people in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

“The proof (of the academic credentials) is there. He did not misrepresent himself and did not claim to have obtained a master’s degree from any specific course.

“He confirmed that he underwent intensive executive courses, which are widely offered by many universities.

“I thought that was a good thing because we always encourage continuous learning, even for those who may have missed out on university education initially, but taking executive and intensive courses is a common practice across universities,” Azmin was quoted telling reporters by the New Straits Times after a ceramah last night.

Azmin said the issue should not be politicised and it was time to move on.

Khairul faced a social media storm after many questioned how the acting Hulu Selangor Bersatu chief could have a master’s degree even though his previous qualification was a diploma.

In Khairul’s biodata, it read that the Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting chief had a diploma in executive management from Universiti Malaya in 2019, followed by a master’s degree in business management from Universiti Malaysia Pahang in 2021.

Meanwhile, during the ceramah, Khairul also addressed the controversy surrounding his educational background.

He brushed off personal attacks on social media, describing the backlash as merely a “test” ahead of the by-election.

“Today, I was personally attacked regarding my academic qualifications. I don’t mind because I didn’t cheat and the certificate I submitted is not from Sri Lanka to Vietnam.

“The certificate I obtained is from Malaysia itself, from Universiti Malaysia Pahang, they can contact the university to verify (the master’s degree).

“What I’m facing now is simply a test for me, so we can’t blame them for testing me before this election, there will be all kinds of obstacles,” he told the audience.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, scheduled for May 11, will witness a contest between four candidates.

They are Pang Sock Tao from PH, Khairul Azhari Saut (PN), Hafizah Zainuddin (PRM) and an independent candidate, Nyau Ke Xin.

The by-election was triggered by the death of the constituency’s three-term assemblyman from DAP, Lee Kee Hiong. – April 28, 2024.