Putrajaya to review Maszlee’s IIUM appointment

Chan Kok Leong Zaim Ibrahim Chan Kok Leong, Zaim Ibrahim Updated 5 years ago · Published on 7 Sep 2018 1:37PM · 4 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad (right) says the decision to appoint the education minister as president of International Islamic University Malaysia is to be reviewed as the government is 'sensitive to public sentiment', at a press conference in Petaling Jaya, today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, September 7, 2018.

THE government will review Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik’s appointment as president of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) after receiving much feedback on the matter, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“We are sensitive to public sentiment and we will review the appointment as it is not carved in stone,” the prime minister said at a press conference today.

Maszlee of Bersatu has received flak after it was announced earlier this week that he would take up the post.

While in Sarawak today, he told reporters that he had accepted the appointment to save taxpayers’ money as he would not be remunerated in any way for his services.

The Simpang Renggam MP taught political science in IIUM before he joined Bersatu to subsequently contest a federal seat in the May 9 elections.

Although Maszlee has been appointed to the IIUM presidency by the sultan of Pahang and he has been welcomed by the IIUM alumni, others have criticised his appointment, especially as the education minister had promised the universities greater autonomy and academic freedom.

National Patriots Association (Patriot) said Maszlee’s appointment could lead to unhealthy politicking at the university besides cast aspersions on his and the new government’s integrity.

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

Malaysians on social media said Maszlee’s acceptance of the position went contrary to his assurances of more autonomy for the universities. –  September 7, 2018.

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Comments

  • Maszlee, like many politicians who fancy being powerful, love to make Institutions into Images of Themselves. Its a version of narcissism. Nothing less than that, and more of the same.

    Posted 5 years ago by [email protected] · Reply

  • Yes, review this. But frankly, the government shouldn't even have to be in this position to have to review Maszlee's position. He should have the good sense to turn it down in the first place. Walk the talk, Minister.

    Posted 5 years ago by Gaik Cheng Khoo · Reply

  • Clear case of a likely conflict of interest .PH please don't behave like BN. Maslee should accept the appointment but resign his education ministership immediately

    Posted 5 years ago by Philip Ting · Reply

  • Clearly Maszlee got a hidden agendas.

    Posted 5 years ago by Voters educated · Reply