Cert issue solved, focus on election campaign, says PN candidate

 

KKB BY-ELECTION | Perikatan Nasional candidate Khairul Azhari Saut does not want to comment further on the dispute over his academic credentials.

This was after Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) confirmed his executive master‘s degree in education management.

In a Facebook post this morning, the Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting chief asked the media to focus on voters instead.

“Many people are discussing the educational issues during my studies at UMPSA.

“I have told the media that I do not wish to comment further about the subject. My focus is to campaign with wisdom and fairness and to aid the voters who will cast their ballots on May 11.

“On the ‘discussion’ about my personal background, I would like to thank (UMPSA Advance executive officer) Ahmad Johari Mohamad’s explanation which confirmed the legitimacy of my studies,” Khairul (above) said.

Previously, a shared poster about Khairul’s biodata raised eyebrows over his educational background.

This was after certain parties, including Umno leaders, questioned the 54-year-old’s education level as he had received his executive master’s degree in education management two years after obtaining an executive management diploma from Universiti Malaya in 2019.

Previously, it was reported that UMPSA confirmed the businessperson’s executive master’s certificate.

In the report, Ahmad said Khairul continued his studies through a professional programme under UMPSA Advance.

According to Ahmad, diploma holders who meet UMPSA’s work experience qualification requirements can continue their studies directly to the executive master’s degree level.

The applicant must also pass the university’s recognition of learning based on previous experience.

‘I did not cheat’

Khairul previously said personal attacks would not sway him.

“I didn't do anything wrong. I sent the certificate not from Sri Lanka, not from Vietnam. The certificate I submitted was from Malaysia. The disputing party can contact the university to confirm.

“I’m not cheating, that’s my stance. Right now they’re trying to test me in this by-election.

“If I set the stage, he would say, I’m already wavering as a candidate. The important thing is that I’m honest, I’m sincere, I’m not cheating in our fight to ensure PN wins,” he said during a speech at Taman Batu 30 Ulu Yam, Hulu Selangor.

Khairul is the PN candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election. He is facing a four-cornered fight against Pang Sock Tao from Pakatan Harapan, Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Hafizah Zainudin, and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.

From left: DAP’s Pang Sock Tao, Khairul, independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin and PRM’s Hafizah Zainudin

Kuala Kubu Baharu is known as a “mixed seat” due to its demographic breakdown of 46 percent Malay voters, 30 percent Chinese, 18 percent Indian and six percent other races.

A total of 40,226 people are eligible to cast votes in this by-election.

Of that number, 39,362 are ordinary voters, 238 are military personnel and their spouses, 625 police personnel, and one overseas absentee voter.

The by-election will be held on May 11, while the early voting date is set for May 7. - Mkini