PETALING JAYA: Malaysians on social media are having mixed feelings about Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s new role as the acting Education Minister.

While some have expressed relief over Dr Mahathir’s return to the Education portfolio, others question whether a professional should have been appointed instead.

Facebook user Zulkifli Jemeli believes that Dr Mahathir would bring back “stability and stop all the nonsense”, while Faizal Mutalib is elated that he is back.

Olivia Loh urged Dr Mahathir not to listen to the naysayers.

“Please do what you can to transform our education system to that of international standards. The same way you transformed our airport, KLCC and founded Putrajaya. Do the best that you can! We will be praying for you, ” she said.

Dr Mahathir was appointed as the acting Education Minister on Friday following Dr Maszlee Malik’s resignation, which took effect on Jan 3.

Maszlee, who is the Simpang Renggam MP, was appointed as minister in May 2018.

Initially, Dr Mahathir had decided to take up the Education portfolio following Pakatan Harapan’s win in the 14th General Election.

However, his decision drew flak from various quarters, forcing him to relinquish the post.

Another Facebook user, Lee Kongeng, said the post should have been “given to a professional in education”.

Aziz Ibrahym Salleh said the Education Ministry required a full-time minister.

“It is as if this country is facing such an acute deficit of educated, young and capable talent to helm the ministry, ” he said.

Adrian Lim also questioned if there was no one else qualified for the portfolio.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/01/12/some-back-dr-m-some-prefer-a-professional