KUCHING, Jan 3: Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar sees the failed efforts of Dr Maszlee Malik as education minister to fulfil Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) promises as the failure of the whole PH government.
He speculated that Maszlee could have resigned due to various reasons including termination of contract, the latter’s unpopular policies as well as pressure asserted by different quarters.
“However, if PH have been administered the nation in accordance with the law, the constitution and the truth, their ministers should not have chosen the easier way out. Ultimately, this reflects failure in all aspects of PH administration,” said Wan Junaidi in a statement in response of Maszlee’s resignation yesterday.
He said the promises made by PH had weighed down hard on Maszlee who tried to fulfil these promises made during the last general election, but failed miserably.
“When Maszlee became the minister, he wanted to make changes. It is undeniably that some changes he advocated invited controversies, such as the Jawi issue as he pushed it without consultation with the stakeholders.
“May be the intention of these policies was to create impact to divert attention for unfulfilled promises which PH has a hard time facing. Regardless, Maszlee failed in his part to make good of PH’s promises to drive through all the changes. His failure reflects the failure of the whole PH government,” stressed Wan Junaidi.
He said when a person was appointed to an important position, it was their duty to take up the position responsibly and carefully.
“If he finds himself unable to fulfil his duties and responsibilities, then it is his responsibility to resign. If he still does not see his weakness, then his appointee is responsible for asking him to resign. Those who chose him and needed his service should not be punished for the person’s failure to carry out the duties.”
Wan Junaidi said the role of Education was very crucial and challenging. Maszlee’s limited experience as a lecturer did not prepare him for such a challenging task.
Maszlee has resigned as the education minister effective today, 20 months after he was appointed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said he surrendered his post “in the spirit of discipline and loyalty to the government and the party”.
In a statement, Dr Mahathir confirmed receiving the resignation letter.
Hours after Maszlee’s quoting, however, an online petition has been launched to reinstate him, with over 100,000 signatures in support of the call. —DayakDaily
