Media gathers at Maszlee's office following talk of resignation

PUTRAJAYA: The media has begun to descend on the Education Ministry building here with Dr Maszlee Malik scheduled to call a press conference following intense talk that the controversial minister has been pressured to step down ahead of a minor Cabinet reshuffle.

Although most of the journalists arrived earlier to cover a Dong Zong meeting with the ministry at 2pm, many have chosen to remain here in anticipation of a 4.30pm press conference by the minister himself.

Speculation is rife that Maszlee will announce that he is stepping down from his post.

If he does, this would be the first change in the Cabinet since Pakatan Harapan took power on May 2018.

It is also understood that Maszlee had a meeting with Dr Mahathir at the Prime Minister's office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation.

The Education Minister arrived at 2.35pm and left at 3pm, sources confirmed.

However, everyone is tight-lipped as to what transpired in the meeting between the two.

The press conference is slotted for 4.30pm at his office here, with reports speculating that he will announce his resignation.

In his note to editors, Maszlee did not give any indication as to what the press conference was about.

His aides were not taking any calls from the media.

The MP for Simpang Renggam has been criticised for numerous issues including the introduction of Jawi to primary schools and proselytisation in schools and universities.

He is said to be meeting his senior staff and aides ahead of the press conference.

There has also been speculation that former education minister Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed will be taking over.

However, the MP for Jeli, when contacted, expressed surprise and declined to comment.