PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin said the government had already informed him to resign from the varsity post, but the education minister had requested more time.

“It was a government and also a party decision. He is aware and has accepted the decision.

“As such, I advise him to do so immediately,” he told reporters today.

On Friday, FMT reported that Maszlee had agreed to relinquish the IIUM president’s post pending his replacement by a suitable candidate.

An aide however said Maszlee was waiting until the end of IIUM’s convocation ceremony, which concludes tomorrow.

The Sultan of Pahang, who is the constitutional head of IIUM, reportedly named Maszlee as the varsity’s president.

The decision did not sit well with some student groups, who said it was against the coalition’s promise not to put politicians in charge of academic institutions.