Dr Maszlee's appointment as IIUM president made by Pahang Sultan, says Wan Saiful

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Julai -- Pengerusi Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional PTPTN, Wan Saiful Wan Jan berucap pada sidang media berhubung Pelaksanaan Penangguhan Bayaran Balik Pinjaman Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional PTPTN di Menara PTPTN, hari ini.--fotoBERNAMA (2018) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA

PETALING JAYA: National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan has come to the defence of Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, saying that his appointment as International Islamic University's (IIUM) president was made by the Sultan of Pahang.  

"YB Dr Maszlee's appointment was made by Tuanku Sultan Pahang as the constitutional head of IIUM. 

"This shows the Sultan's wisdom in making his choice, picking someone who knows the university inside out over and above everything else," he told The Star on Wednesday (Sept 5). 

Wan Saiful said Dr Maszlee was committed to bringing IIUM back to its international glory, and was ready for the baton to be passed to someone who will drive the improvements even further after him. 

"IIUM is his 'home' and he loves the university to bits. If you want to see IIUM excel again, there is no one better for the post," he said. 

Dr Maszlee's appointment as IIUM's president has drawn criticism from both sides of the political divide, saying that there was "clear conflict of interest". 

Kepala Batas MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Dr Maszlee should review his decision to take up the position at the public university, while Kampung Tunku state assemblywoman Lim Yi Wei of the DAP urged him to reject his new appointment, stating that it was a “clear conflict of interest”.

Pakatan Harapan's election manifesto had promised to restore academic freedom at institutions of higher education.