Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed said no decision has been made over Foreign Deputy Minister Marzuki Yahya over claims he lied about his academic credentials.
Asked about the matter after he attended a unity event at the Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town today, Mahathir merely told reporters, "We have not really found out what happened".
Marzuki, also the Penang Bersatu chairperson, was thrust into the spotlight after a police report was lodged alleging that the former did not have a UK-based Cambridge University degree.
Marzuki clarified by saying his certificate was actually from the US-based Cambridge International University, later exposed to be a degree mill.
Since then, Marzuki's critics have clamoured for his resignation as deputy minister, saying integrity was an important trait for a cabinet minister.
Meanwhile, Penang Bersatu secretary Azahari Aris and several other state leaders expressed their support for Marzuki.
Azahari said they did not wish to respond to all the criticisms hurled at Marzuki and wanted his critics to allow the police to probe the matter thoroughly.
"But we want to show our solidarity with Marzuki. It is not about his high post. He is a good leader and we support him due to his leadership.
"Due to his good work, he was appointed a senator then deputy minister and we are proud of him," said Azahari.
On the issue of integrity, Azahari said a political party did not interview or ask for academic credentials when someone applied for membership.
"Anyone can join the party. If he is good and does good work, he will be promoted. We do not ask for certs," said Azahari.
"That is the way it is done whether in Pakatan Harapan or Umno. We are not a business entity or a private company," he added, disclosing that he was previously an Umno member. - Mkini
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