KUCHING: Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik will consult the Sultan of Pahang and Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on whether to accept his appointment as International Islamic University (IIUM) president.
He also said he was in a dilemma because while some people were unhappy over the matter, his appointment would save up to RM500,000 in taxpayer money as he wouldn't be drawing a salary.
On the need to consult the Sultan, he said this was because the appointment was made by the Sultan, the constitutional head of IIUM.
"I need to consult my superiors because it's not in my power to determine anything.
"I have to respect the Sultan's choice and ask his advice. The Prime Minister is the head of IIUM's governance body, so I need to consult him (too)," he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex here on Friday (Sept 7).
Dr Maszlee's appointment has been criticised by both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan parties, who said it went against the Pakatan manifesto.
However, Dr Maszlee said the government would save taxpayer money if he took up the appointment, because the Education Minister would not receive a single sen as IIUM president.
"If others become the president, they will receive allowances and a salary. By having the Education Minister as the president, we can save nearly half a million ringgit.
"It's within the spirit of Pakatan, which is that we are going to save costs and we are not going to spend taxpayers' money easily.
"If we really want taxpayers' money not to be spent, then I think I need to accept the presidential post because I'm going to work at zero cost," Dr Maszlee said.
Pressed on whether he would take up the post, he said as of now he was the president as he had been appointed by the Sultan of Pahang.
"I'm in a dilemma. If I don't accept it, I'm being disloyal (derhaka). If someone else is appointed, it will involve taxpayer money.
"So do I prioritise taxpayers or the pressure? I think in this case, I have to give priority to the rakyat," he said.
He also said the furore over his appointment could be seen as a success by the new Pakatan Government in getting the public to be concerned about education.
"Previously, nobody knew or cared about who the president of IIUM was.
"It shows people now have more interest in education, and I appreciate the concern of the people," he said.
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