Academics hit out at ‘lynch mob’ out for Maszlee
Academicians criticise ‘unhealthy and distasteful mob mentality’ and say Maszlee is ‘the devil that we know rather than any purported angel that we don’t’.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Academic Movement (Gerak) has expressed regret that a “lynching mob” is out for Maszlee Malik’s blood after Maszlee, a well-known lecturer and academician, came under criticism following his appointment as education minister.
Gerak chair Zaharom Nain said: “People are throwing around terms like ‘Islamist’ in a derogatory manner and we suspect many don’t even know what that means.
“Granted, we are supposed to be on the road to more open-ness now. But we find this mob mentality rather unhealthy and distasteful.
“Maszlee may not be an ideal candidate for some of us. But at least he is an academic who shares our vision and objectives.
“And as for his alleged ideological leanings, we believe that he is at least the devil that we know rather than any purported angel that we don’t.
“Let us note the new social context we are in. We are not going to accept going back to the past.”
Zaharom said one minister alone, with his personal views, could not change the whole education system in one go. “It is a juggernaut. A very hot potato juggernaut that parents, educationists and civil society will defend and attempt to influence.”
Zaharom said people had the right to continue exercising their rights to express their views and dissent. “But we must do so in a responsible manner that will not jeopardise our broader objective of putting our higher education on the right track.”
He called for debate, discussions, even disagreement, but based on knowledge, “not blind ignorance or a follow-the-leader, jump on the bandwagon mentality.”
Zaharom extended Maszlee the full support of Gerak, regardless of the apprehensions that some had about him.
He said the movement hoped to engage the government in a substantively constructive yet critical manner for the overall good of all Malaysians.
IDEAS: Maszlee has provided fresh ideas for education system
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), meanwhile, welcomed the appointment of Maszlee as education minister, saying he has vast experience as an educationist.
IDEAS head Ali Salman said Maszlee is known for exhibiting a principled stance when speaking on critical issues openly.
“He has provided fresh ideas for the Malaysian education system during his campaign by proposing teaching assistants in classrooms, reducing class sizes and reducing paperwork for teachers.
“He has also shown commitment to education issues affecting the community through his work on the board of governors of the IDEAS’ Autism Centre and other NGOs such as Teach for the Needs (TFTN) and Pusat Pendidikan Down Syndrome Orkids (Orkids).”
Ali, who is also the CEO of Islam and Liberty Network, a global platform of researchers and academics, said Maszlee had actively contributed in the debate on Islam and policy issues by presenting an inclusive, plural and liberal interpretation of Islam.
Ali said IDEAS had previously published papers on the topics of school choice, school autonomy and school dropouts, as well as four papers on autonomy in higher education.
“We look forward to engaging with the new education minister on these issues and hopefully influence the policy debate surrounding education in Malaysia.”
Newly-elected Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah also urged the people to give Maszlee a chance to prove his abilities, following criticism of his religious beliefs.
She said she was not personally acquainted with Maszlee but she acknowledged his academic qualifications. “We should give him a chance and if he makes mistakes, he can try to improve,” she said today in a live interview session with Sinar Harian on Facebook today.
Maria urged people to have faith with Pakatan Harapan to lead the government and said the administration under Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had begun to fulfil many PH promises, including abolishing the goods and services tax (GST) and reviewing fuel prices.
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