With speculation about his position rife for the past week or so, it turns out the rumours of our Education Ministers plans of resigning are true.

The former lecturer today announced his resignation as the education minister, in a special media conference in Putrajaya this evening. The news comes some 20 months after he was appointed to the high-profile post with expectations of major reforms in Malaysia’s education sector.

“In the spirit of discipline and loyalty to the government and the party, I, Maszlee Malik, would like to surrender my post to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad,”

Dr. Maszlee Malik

It’s safe to say that while his appointment may have been met with mostly positive to neutral sentiments, he resigns as a constant target of criticism. According to Maszlee, he’s heeding the advice of Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad,  who he described as a father figure. He also reinstated that he is and will always be loyal to the party.

“I have undeniable loyalty to him, to the party and to the government. Whatever decision I have made, as advised by the prime minister, is in the best interest of the country,”

Dr. Maszlee Malik

No word yet on who his successor will be, but Dr Mahathir has come out and said that he will decide and announce his replacement soon. The news of Dr. Maszlee’s resignation is sure to appease members of the public who have been left astounded by some of his decisions.