THE International Islamic University’s (IIUM) alumni association says Maszlee Malik is the best man for the job as university president.

Association president Khalek Awang said the education minister was the right fit because he had spent 18 years as an academic there and was once president of the academic staff association.

“The university needs a president who understands IIUM, its philosophy, mission and vision to get it back on track.

“IIUM needs a president who can lift the university to a status that can regain the trust and confidence of 90,000 alumni members and stakeholders, as a prerequisite to make IIUM great again, integrity wise.

“The alumni association believes Maszlee is the president who can shoulder this heavy responsibility together with the new rector,” he said in a statement today.

National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan had earlier today said the appointment was made by the Sultan of Pahang as the constitutional head of IIUM.

However, the Bersatu politician’s appointment has been heavily criticised by his own Pakatan Harapan colleagues, Barisan Nasional leaders, social media users and civil society.

The National Patriots Association (Patriot) said Maszlee’s appointment could lead to unhealthy politicking at the university, cast aspersion on his integrity and that of the new government.

The veterans’ group urged him to turn down his appointment to show that the new PH government is committed to transparency and good governance.

Social media users also said accepting the appointment went against Maszlee’s view to liberate universities and give them autonomy.

The appointment, they said, was also against PH’s manifesto, which had promised the restoration of authority and independence to public universities and institutions of higher learning. – September 5, 2018.