Maszlee Malik said today that several candidates have already been identified to replace him as International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president. 

The education minister stressed that these candidates are of international renown and hold no political posts. 

“The next president of IIUM must be someone who is known internationally and has an impeccable reputation,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Maszlee, who confirmed yesterday that he would be relinquishing his IIUM post, said that the names of these candidates would be submitted to Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, who serves as the constitutional head of the university.

The confirmation followed Bersatu president and Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin saying that the cabinet and the party had already decided that Maszlee should step down as president of the university.

The Simpang Renggam MP took to Twitter to announce that he respected the decision and his successor would be found by the end of November. 

“I respect the decision of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the cabinet regarding my appointment as IIUM president. At the same time, I respect the statement by Muhyiddin.

“In actuality, I have already decided to resign as president as soon as IIUM’s convocation ceremony is complete and the process of appointing my successor is complete," he had said.

Bernama also reported Maszlee as dismissing reports on him being dropped as education minister in a cabinet reshuffle as mere speculation.

He insisted that a recent meeting with the prime minister was only about revamping the national education curriculum.