Wan Saiful steps down as special advisor to Maszlee

PETALING JAYA: Wan Saiful Wan Jan has resigned as the special adviser to the Education Minister, but denies that this is because of differences with Dr Maszlee Malik.

Wan Saiful, who is also National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman, said he tendered his resignation letter to Dr Maszlee last week and that his last day as special adviser would be on Nov 30.

He said that he decided to resign to focus on helming PTPTN as well as the demands of his political position as Perlis Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia secretary.

Wan Saiful also said that he had been discussing his resignation with Dr Maszlee for the past two months.

"My departure is because we agreed that I need to be fair to PTPTN. He asked to stay on a bit, but now with the 2019 Budget announced and PTPTN reforms taking place, I am leaving, with his agreement," said Wan Saiful.

He denied talk that he resigned because of disagreements with Dr Maszlee.

"I would not say that the minister is hard to work with. He is easy-going and has no protocols but he wants results and for things to be done quickly and effectively," he said.

Wan Saiful said his original intention as special adviser was to focus on other matters as well besides PTPTN, but his workload increased over time.

"I was coming into the Education Ministry at 8.30am and leaving at 9pm, so I felt it was not possible for me to continue serving the position and in PTPTN as well," he said.

Wan Saiful said the Dr Maszlee still has a solid team in place working for and supporting him.