Maszlee agrees to resign as IIUM president

Education Minister Maszlee Malik has agreed to resign as president of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

An aide to Maszlee confirmed this with Malaysiakini but added that this will take some time as it is now the university's convocation week.

"There is no pressure for him to resign," the aide added.

The aide also said that Maszlee would leave once his plans to reform IIUM are made.

Meanwhile, FMT also cited an aide to Maszlee as saying that the minister was looking for a replacement.

“He is in the middle of appointing somebody to replace him. However, the process will take time since consent is needed from the prime minister and the Sultan of Pahang,” the aide said.

Mazlee took up the IIUM president post in October, and defended his decision saying it was based on merit.

This followed criticisms from many, including student activist groups.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad later said that this appointment would be reviewed.

FMT reported that the Cabinet had also maintained pressure on Maszlee to let go of the position.

The education minister's reported resignation from IIUM comes four days after fellow academic and Bersatu member Wan Saiful Wan Jan stepped down as the minister's special adviser.

Wan Saiful said this was so he can focus on his task as chair of the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN). - Mkini