SANDAKAN: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng hopes Dr Maszlee Malik, who announced his resignation as Education Minister on Thursday, will continue to provide his undivided support towards the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition government.
Akcnowledging the Simpang Renggam member of parliament’s contribution during his 20 months tenure in the government, Lim expressed confidence that Maszlee would uphold the principle of solidarity and execute decisions agreed by the cabinet.
“I would like to extend my recognition to Maszlee for his services. He had endured many challenges as the minister in charge of the education portfolio.
“I also wish him all the best in carrying out his duties since he is still a member of parliament,” he said after visiting the Duchess of Kent Hospital here yesterday.
Lim, who is the DAP secretary-general, said it was up to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to determine the next course of action following Maszlee’s resignation.
In Kuala Lumpur, Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof said cabinet members come and go, and it should not be viewed negatively.
“The prime minister has the final say to maintain or change a minister (in his cabinet). It is his prerogative,” he added.
“Maybe tomorrow, I will be next to resign. You just never know,” said the Bersatu Supreme Council member in jest.
Maszlee’s departure came in the wake of the Education Ministry’s move to introduce Jawi script as part of the Bahasa Malaysia syllabus for primary vernacular schools, and criticism towards the way he handled the controversy surrounding Universiti Malaysia Perlis’ (UniMAP) examination paper for its Ethnic Relations course, which had allegedly promoted Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik as an icon.
His resignation also triggered speculation on potential PH leaders who would fill the vacancy for the education minister’s post.
Among the names given by political observers were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, who is Jerlun MP and Bersatu deputy president.
Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) said it had no qualms if the PH Presidential Council decided to appoint Mukhriz to the cabinet.
Its vice-president, Datuk Mahfuz Omar, believed that PH top leadership had deliberated the matter thoroughly and looked into all aspects.
“Whatever happens next is up to the wisdom of the prime minister after he obtains the PH Presidential Council’s agreement.
“If the prime minister believes Mukhriz can help strengthen the government’s capabilities in stimulating the economy as well as improving the education sector, we have nothing against it,” said the Pokok Sena MP and deputy human resources minister.
Following speculation that Mukhriz would be appointed to the cabinet under the rumoured reshuffle by Dr Mahathir, rumours are rife that Deputy Finance Minister and Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah will take over the post of Kedah Menteri Besar. -- Reports by Poliana Ronnie Sidom, Yusmizal Dolah Aling, Muhammad Mustakim Ramli and Noorazura Abdul Rahman