Report: Maszlee told to quit over failure to follow cabinet directives

KUCHING: Dr Maszlee Malik was advised to resign as Education Minister due primarily to his failure to comply with the directives from the federal cabinet, according to a report.

The report, by The Malaysian Insider (TMI) published online yesterday, said a letter was sent to Maszlee on Dec 27 asking him to resign.

TMI had sighted the letter from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, which essentially stated that Maszlee had failed to listen to advice and, on several occasions, had gone against cabinet decisions.

Maszlee was on holiday with his family overseas when the letter was sent to his office that day.

The letter also stated that Maszlee had particularly failed to follow advice on the Jawi issue, free internet service for schools, and free breakfast programme for pupils.

It also said Maszlee did not want to split the education and higher education portfolios.

“It is now time for Yang Berhormat (Maszlee) to withdraw from the cabinet,” said Dr Mahathir in the letter.

Maszlee’s problems with the cabinet began when he was appointed as International Islamic University of Malaysia president in September 2018.

The appointment drew flak from critics who said that there was a conflict of interest, in view of Maszlee’s position as the education minister.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing on Jan 3 said it was a very honourable act by Maszlee in admitting his mistakes and relinquishing his ministerial post, adding that the former minister had done his best to better the Malaysian education system.

“Unfortunately, however, his best was not good enough for the nation.

“So when that happened, what do you do? You resign.

Do not issue circulars that will not benefit students, teachers, schools and local community. Whoever becomes the Education Minister must always look at the bigger picture and overcome urgent issues immediately. Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah

I hope others who have been underperforming will follow Dr Maszlee Malik’s example,” said Masing.

Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah meanwhile pointed out that education should not be politicised.

“Do not issue circulars that will not benefit students, teachers, schools and local community. Whoever becomes the Education Minister must always look at the bigger picture and overcome urgent issues immediately,” she said, adding that the public is now aware of the weaknesses in the education sector.

She said the standard of English, Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, Science, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was not at a satisfactory level and that the spirit of unity and patriotism was on the decline.

The public expects a lot from an education minister, she added.

She also said the nation must have an education system that is dynamic, progressive and relevant, and one that follows the global trend.