Maria Chin: Give Dr Maszlee a chance

PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah is flabbergasted that critics of Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik are asking him to step down even before he has a chance to share his policies and direction for the Ministry.

She called the petitions - one in support for Dr Maszlee for Education Minister while the other in support of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad - as "unnecessary".

"Let's give him a chance to prove whether he can do the job, if not then it (the minister) can be changed," Maria told The Star.

"I don't see what's the problem, people should read what Dr Maszlee talks about before passing judgement," she added.

Maria said she believes that the Simpang Renggam MP supports freedom of expression as in his previous interviews, he had talked about making the education more fun, increasing the quality of education and making it more encompassing for all diversity.

Dr Maszlee's appointment has sparked debates about his experience and views, especially regarding his alleged support of controversial preacher Zakir Naik.

Maria said Dr Maszlee should clarify his stance on Zakir Naik to allay concerns, and adds that there would be check and balances to safeguard the education system.

She urged the people to give Dr Maszlee time to settle down into his new position and put forward his policies before "jumping the gun".

"We are making judgement without finding out more about his vision and engaging with him," she added.

Maria also congratulated Dr Mahathir for relinquishing the Education portfolio after his initial announcement that he would also be Education Minister drew flak for going against the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.

The manifesto states that the Prime Minister would not hold other ministerial positions.

"It is a show of leadership and being sensitive towards the public. Holding himself to the manifesto is the kind of leadership that we want to build Malaysia," she said.

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang has also echoed calls for the public to give Dr Maszlee a chance.

"There have been criticisms of Dr Maszlee as the Education Minister, but let us give the 44-year-old academician the chance to prove his suitability," he said in his blog on Sunday.