Let Dr M’s decision on Education portfolio stand, says senior lawyer

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should not persuade Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to change his mind about not taking up the Education Minister portfolio, says senior lawyer Datuk Roger Tan (pic).

It would be a good legacy that the Prime Minister leaves behind, so that his successors would not use that excuse in future to helm other powerful ministries, especially the Finance Ministry, Tan said in a statement Monday.

“Some Mentris Besar in some states are already holding additional portfolios especially finance and natural resources (which oversee land matters),” he said in a statement on his Facebook page.

He added that he has seen a change in Dr Mahathir from an autocratic leader to one who is prepared to make decisions based on consensus.

“Some say he may have repented. Others say he may have now realised the damage done during his previous premiership when the independence of various public institutions, especially the judiciary, was compromised,” said Tan.

Dr Mahathir previously named himself as the Education Minister but had to relinquish the position as he had to abide by the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.

The Pakatan manifesto had promised that the Prime Minister would not take on other ministerial posts, especially that of Finance Minister.

Dr Mahathir announced Dr Maszlee Malik as the Education Minister.

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