LEAVE it to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to decide who will replace Dr Maszlee Malik as the education minister, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.

The deputy prime minister said she had no inkling herself who would succeed the former International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) lecturer, who quit two days ago. 

“About that (Maszlee’s replacement), it is up to the prime minister to decide,” she told reporters after a visit to the Welfare Department in Membakut, near Beaufort  in Sabah today. 

On Thursday, Maszlee announced his resignation as Education Minister, which took effect yesterday. 

Dr Wan Azizah said she respected Maszlee’s decision, and expressed her appreciation for his contributions.

“Maszlee was my friend in the cabinet. I appreciate his contributions, he was an academician who tried to bring in reforms in a very important ministry,” she said. 

Dr Wan Azizah said her visit to the Membakut Welfare Department was to determine if more could be done for its operational needs to serve the people better.

Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said a comprehensive study would be conducted to determine if all other district welfare departments in Sabah require assistance as well. 

She said the Membakut Welfare Department had channelled RM4.2 million in aid last year, with senior citizens, those with chronic illnesses and persons with disabilities among the recipients. – Bernama