KUCHING, Jan 10: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will assume the role of acting Education Minister.
According to a press statement from the Prime Minister’s Office today, the federal Cabinet has decided that Dr Mahathir would helm the portfolio temporarily until a new education minister is appointed.
His appointment was made effective on Jan 3, 2020.
“The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Jan 8, following the resignation of former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik on Jan 2, the first day of the new school year,” the statement said.
Maszlee had a meeting with Dr Mahathir prior to making the announcement. It was understood that several days earlier, the prime minister had penned a letter to Maszlee, advising him to relinquish the post.
However, the reasons was unknown and subjected to much speculations.
Maszlee, who is the Simpang Renggam MP, was appointed Education Minister in May 2018.
Dr Mahathir was education minister from 1974 to 1977. — DayakDaily
