PETALING JAYA: Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Mahfuz Omar dismissed claims that he was a Belford University graduate.

“I am not a university graduate. I have never claimed to have studied at any university. What more a foreign university.

“I am shocked to hear that my name is also being dragged into the mud with a false claim that I have a fake degree,” he said.

He said this when asked to comment on an e-poster circulating in social media, claiming that he had obtained a political science degree from Belford University in 1992.

“I am shocked. This is utter nonsense. I am not a degree holder.

“I do not have to resort to lying about my academic credentials. In politics, what is important is capability and knowledge.

“I rose from rank and file in politics. I learnt from experience, and I learned from those who are more experienced.

“And I am proud to say that I am a tadika graduate. And I take pride in defending what is right. I dare voice out in the interest of the rakyat without fear or favour.

“When Kedah was under PAS control, I had even criticised the state government for failing to address garbage disposal issues. I was with PAS then, and I dared to voice out,” said Mahfuz, who had quit PAS to join Parti Amanah Negara prior to the 14th General Election.