ANWAR Ibrahim said it was proposed that he be made International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president, but he rejected it.

The PKR president-elect said he currently held no posts, and had told Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he did not want any.

“Recently, it was suggested that I be made IIUM president, but I did not want it,” he said at a ceramah for the Seri Setia by-election in Ara Damansara.

Education Minster Dr Maszlee Malik’s appointment as IIUM president two days ago has drawn flak from many quarters, including Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Prior to joining Bersatu and contesting in the 14th general election, Maszlee, a former IIUM student, was a lecturer at the university.

It was reported that he was the third education minister to assume the post since IIUM was founded more than 30 years ago.

National Higher Education Fund Corporation chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Maszlee’s appointment was by the Pahang sultan.

Anwar was IIUM president when he held the education portfolio.

He said after the Seri Setia polls, another by-election would be called, and he would contest.

“After this by-election, there will be another one held. I will contest, and I hope all of you will turn out to vote,” he said, to applause from the crowd. – September 6, 2018.