KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been appointed the interim Education Minister, effective Jan 3.
The appointment was agreed to by Cabinet during a meeting on Jan 8, the Prime Minister’s Office announced today.
It is believed that Dr Mahathir will hold the position until a new Education Minister is appointed.
Dr Mahathir previously held the Education Ministry portfolio from 1974 to 1977.
He takes over from Dr Maszlee Malik, who resigned from his position on Jan 2.
Maszlee - who is also the Simpang Renggam MP and a member of the Bersatu supreme leadership council - was beset by a string of controversies during his tenure, including the issue of Jawi being taught in vernacular schools, students wearing black shoes, and free breakfast at schools, among others.
More to come