Online petition launched, calling for Maszlee to be retained as Education Minister

PETALING JAYA: Hours after Dr Maszlee Malik’s resignation as the Education Minister, an online petition has been launched calling for his reinstatement.

So far, the petition has received over 180,000 signatories.

Posted on the online petition platform change.org, a petitioner by the name Tuah Kencara started the petition some six hours ago and urged the Prime Minister to reinstate Maszlee.

“YB Maszlee has worked hard to improve the education quality by introducing various initiatives that were proven in benefiting the students, teachers and society.

“He has also been transparent in all his initiatives and progress to bring reform in education.

“However, his efforts were shadowed by negative reports and sensationalised by those with a vested interest.

“His decision to resign is a huge loss to the nation. We request that the Prime Minister reinstate Maszlee as the nation’s education minister,” according to the petition on Thursday (June 2).

The petition also listed his initiatives dubbed as Maszlee’s “contribution throughout his short stint”.

Among them were zero dilapidated schools, free breakfast programme, mutual teacher transfer agreement, education for disabled children and the Technical, Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) programme for students.

Earlier Thursday, Maszlee announced his resignation effective Friday (Jan 3), just hours after he had spent time in several schools to mark the first day of the school session in the west coast.

During his announcement, he listed out the achievements of the ministry in the 20 months he was in charge.

He said that despite the successes, he continued to be criticised in the public over certain issues that have been played up.

“I have been seen to be the cause of many crises, including the Jawi calligraphy issue, Internet at schools and the free breakfast programme.

“However, I believe I have placed a foundation and a clear framework for the ministry to follow,” he added.

The Parti Bersatu Pribumi Malaysia supreme council member had a meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, also his party chairman, prior to making the announcement.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister in a statement said he has accepted Maszlee's resignation and would decide on a replacement soon.