GEORGE TOWN: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) has yet to find out what really transpired in the issue involving its secretary-general Datuk Marzuki Yahya’s educational background, which has come under intense scrutiny in recent days.
PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, when asked to comment on the matter, said:
“We haven’t found out what really happened to Marzuki”.
The Deputy Foreign Minister has been urged to quit following allegations he lied about having a degree from Cambridge University.
The issue came about after doubts were raised on social media that he had a distance-learning degree in business administration from the British institution, which was previously listed on his Wikipedia profile.
After initially insisting he would prove he had the degree, Marzuki had said late Wednesday that he had in fact not studied at the prestigious British university but at Cambridge International University in the United States.
Since then, two police reports have been lodged by political activist, Muhsin Abdul Latheef, over the matter.
Meanwhile, speaking at a separate press conference, all 13 PPBM divisions in the state, expressed their support and solidarity towards Marzuki’s leadership.
Marzuki is the state PPBM chairman.
Penang PPBM secretary Azahari Aris said they gathered not to answer on the allegations hurled against Marzuki but to voice their support for his leadership.
He said one has to look at themselves first when questioning other’s integrity.
“For us, he (Marzuki) has displayed his leadership capability well, resulting in him to be elevated to a higher level.
“We are a political party and not a private company. When someone is interested in joining the party, we do not interview them or ask for their educational background.
“Similarly, in Marzuki’s case, he has delivered results (in his works) and the people like him. We are here to support his leadership,” he added.
Azahari, a former Umno member, said when he first joined the party, they also did not question him on his educational background.
“As long as one works hard, shows full commitment and integrity, then they will be acknowledged by the leadership.
“This is what happens in politics,” he said, adding that the issue was possibly raised by Pakatan Harapan’s detractors.
On a separate matter, Dr Mahathir said the issue on whether PPBM would enter Sabah or not would be discussed further by the party.