Maszlee says he took up IIUM post to implement greater academic freedom

INTERVIEW | Education Minister Maszlee Malik has explained his contentious appointment as the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president, stressing that he only took up the post to provide the institution greater academic freedom.

“For IIUM it is easier because it (the limits of academic freedom) is only within their disciplinary rules, so it can be amended only by the decision of the board of governance.

"I took the position of president initially to amend all those laws.

“Since I've done that, I relinquished the post,” he told Malaysiakiniin an interview at the Kinokuniya bookstore in Suria KLCC today.

Maszlee said this while explaining that his ministry will table amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) and other relevant laws tomorrow to accord students greater freedoms on campus.

Maszlee’s appointment as the IIUM on Sept 5 courted flak from many quarters  – especially from student groups – as it went against Pakatan Harapan's promise of preventing politicians from sitting on the boards of universities.

Student groups had shown up in front of the Education Ministry in Putrajaya to protest Maszlee's appointment, and were eventually granted an audience with him to express their displeasure.

The cabinet later said they had made it clear that the he would have to relinquish his post as IIUM president.

Maszlee then said he would step down from the post after the process to appoint his successor is completed.  - Mkini