I accepted IIUM appointment to save taxpayers' money, says Maszlee 

Desmond Davidson Desmond Davidson Updated 7 years ago · Published on 7 Sep 2018 12:14PM · 8 Comments

EDUCATION Minister Dr Maszlee Malik’s main consideration in accepting the presidency of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is to save taxpayers’ money.

“Under the university constitution, as a minister, I don’t get paid a single sen as the president; I don’t get an allowance, no monetary consideration whatsoever,” he told reporters in Kuching after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg at his office in Petrajaya.

He said had he declined the appointment, the university would have to appoint someone else who would need to be paid.

That, Maszlee said, would means spending taxpayers’ money.

He said appointing a president who is not a minister means the university would have to pay him a salary and other monetary perks.

That, he said, could come up to half a million ringgit.

“By having a minister as president, we can save that half a million ringgit.

“I have to (make a) balanced (decision) whether to make rakyat spend more money, or save and value every single sen of taxpayers money.”

He said his acceptance of the appointment would within the spirit of Pakatan Harapan “because we are going to save costs”.

“We are not going to spend taxpayers’ money so easily. If we really appreciate not spending taxpayers’ money, then I think I need to accept the presidential post.”

However, Maszlee said he would need to consult the Pahang sultan and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the appointment.

“It’s not my power to determine anything. I have to respect the sultan’s choice, I need to ask his advice.”

He said he is a dilemma as if he rejects the appointment, he may be accused of “derhaka”.

Asked on former Johor menteri besar Khaled Nordin, who said he will not have the time for the job as he is a minister, Maszlee replied: “I have lots of time. I don’t play golf.

“I don’t have time to smoke cigars in elite clubs. I certainly have ample time to think of the countries education business.”

Maszlee’s appointment as IIUM president had drawn flak from many quarters, including PH leaders.

Prior to joining Bersatu and contesting in the 14th general election, Maszlee, a former IIUM student, was a lecturer at the university. – September 7, 2018.

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Comments

  • A somewhat lame excuse. So why not make the Minister of Education as the Vice Chancellor of every public university to save taxpayers' money?

    Posted 7 years ago by Gerard Lourdesamy · Reply

  • That is not the real issue...pl keep to your promises or the rakyat will reject u in GE15.period!

    Posted 7 years ago by Sweesing lee · Reply

  • You should get your priorities right! How can you accept the post to save tax payers money!!

    Posted 7 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply

  • Taxpayers are not interested in you saving money la...we are interested in you doing a 110% job at the MOE. Right now, you can't even decide what is priority, because the color of school shoes seem like more important policy decision for you..

    Posted 7 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • As a highly educated guy we are very shocked!!! you are just giving a penny wise pound foolish rationale in your justification. Come on Maszlee. !!!!! Be honest to yourself for we do not have to face our conscience but you do and it will eat you up and leaves you high and dry and perform bdly in your job role. As I have suggested take one and relinquish one to be noble in sparing the rakyat on your consideration. Stop your mother hood and apple pies and pony dance. the rakyat are not gullible and be mindfull of the fact you are still new in politics and administration. Be good and be in low profile. Ok huh!!!! Many eyes are watching you as many are still apprehensive of you being a Minister of Education. You have yet to impress!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • The remuneration is not an issue but your role is the biggest after all. Don't accept it or PH as a whole will face the music.

    Posted 7 years ago by Khairul Anuar · Reply

  • Idiotic argument. Very disappointed with this Minister so far. He has no guts to bring about the much need change in the education system and is spending his time handling non urgent matters such as black shoes and now his appointment, Following widespread public outcry, he should have quickly responded by declining the appointment, but until now he still tries to justify that stupid decision. Such a big let down by a supposedly intellectual. I think he should just resign as Education Minister if he want to be head of the University. I prefer that he resigns as Minister, as he is simply not up to the mark.

    Posted 7 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply

  • Keep promises. Step down the presidency or the cabinet. Cant have both

    Posted 7 years ago by Francis Chang · Reply