THE appointment of Education Minister Maszlee Malik as International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president should reviewed, said a deputy minister today. 

Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Sivarasa Rasiah said he had been “shocked” by news of the appointment. 

“I am also shocked by the announcement, and I think it is only appropriate for Maszlee’s appointment to be studied again,” he said on the sidelines of a Pakatan Harapan ceramah for the Seri Setia by-election in Shah Alam today. 

He said a review was necessary to ensure the move was in line with PH’s manifesto. 

The manifesto promised the restoration of authority and independence of public universities and institutions of higher learning.

“I see this as an example. Although sometimes, we do make mistakes, they can be corrected. 

“Just like the prime minister himself, for example. Previously, he announced he would take up the PM portfolio as well as the education minister portfolio but he backed down when people told him it went against the manifesto,” Sivarasa said. 

Prior to joining politics, the minister was a member of the university’s Islamic knowledge faculty. 

IIUM’s corporate communications division earlier today said Maszlee was an ideal candidate as he was a former IIUM lecturer. – September 5, 2018.