Maszlee rates himself 9.95 out of 10 as a 'learner', not as a minister

INTERVIEW | Within a short span of time, Maszlee Malik went from being an academician to becoming a politician and later, the education minister. The expectations for him are high.

Over the past few months, he has courted negative press, but the Bersatu lawmaker pointed out that he is still learning the ropes.

Asked how he would rate his performance, during an interview with Malaysiakini in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Maszlee approached the question from a different perspective.

"I won't rate myself as a minister in these six months, but I would rate myself as a learner. I would give myself 9.95 out of 10 (as someone learning on the job)," he said.

The Simpang Renggam MP said he had learned a plethora of new things over the past six months but conceded that the learning curve was steep.

Most of all, Maszlee said, he has learned that there is still much to do and sacrifice for the sake of the country's future.

"I started to learn that whatever reforms or changes you want to make for this country require sacrifice, not only of your time but also all dimensions in your life.

"But it is worth it. Because you are doing it for the nation, for the better future of the country," he added.

Asked about his proudest achievement so far, Maszlee said he is never satisfied, especially when his job has not yet been fully accomplished.

"So only after five years, will I be able to give an evaluation of myself, if there is something I can be proud of.

"But now, it is still an ongoing process and I really need everybody’s support," he said. - Mkini