Muhyiddin speaks to reporters during the press conference. On his right is Loke. — Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik should immediately relinquish his post as president of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), said Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president, said the decision for Maszlee to resign was made by the government and the party, but the Simpang Renggam MP has asked for more time.
“This is the decision of the government and the party, and he knows and accepts the decision… I would like to advise him to resign as quickly as possible,” he said, adding that Maszlee’s position as IIUM president was questionable because he held a ministerial post.
Muhyiddin said this at a press conference after chairing a meeting of the Standing Committee on Law Enforcement here yesterday which was attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Earlier, the media quoted Maszlee’s aide’s statement that Maszlee would relinquish his post after resolving some issues including finding a replacement.
Maszlee was appointed as the seventh IIUM president for three years in September after being approved by IIUM Constitutional Head, Sultan Ahmad Shah. He succeeded Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, whose contract ended in July.
Asked about the open support of DAP’s elected representatives to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), Muhyiddin said he had no problem with it because the final decision to ratify ICERD would rest with the government.
“We do not restrict anyone from submitting their views because in the end the government will decide and we are responsible for deciding what is best for the country,” he said. — Bernama