Prof. Dr. Maszlee bin Malik has an extensive background in education, politics, and volunteer work. He previously served as the Minister of Education for Malaysia from May 2018 to January 2020 and was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Simpang Renggam from May 2018 to November 2022. Dr. Maszlee earned his Bachelor’s degree from Al-Bayt University in Jordan and his Master’s degree in Islamic Jurisprudence in 2004. He later completed his Doctorate in Good Governance from Durham University in the United Kingdom. Prior to his political career, Dr. Maszlee was a committed educator, teaching at the International Islamic University Malaysia from 2000 until 2018. He was also an active volunteer, serving as an advisor for multiple NGOs that help children with special needs. Currently, he holds a position as a Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences at the University of Cyberjaya,
commencing March 2023.
Dr. Maszlee’s tenure as Minister of Education was characterized by his commitment to empowering and inclusive education. He introduced a student-oriented system to primary schools to replace an exam-oriented structure, empowered technical and vocational education at the tertiary level, and amended restrictive laws that had previously suppressed students’ freedom of speech in universities and colleges. He also promoted STEM education and the use of AI, big data, and data analysis in education through the formation of a big data committee at the Ministry of Education during his term. He made a bold decision to use Google Classroom (GC) as the sole Learning Management System for all schools throughout the nation, which has proven to be an effective strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Maszlee’s efforts to improve access and quality of education for marginalized and disadvantaged communities are notable. He increased access to fully sponsored state boarding schools for nearly 5,000 students from low-income communities and is working towards providing free meals to disadvantaged students nationwide. He introduced the Zero Reject Policy, which ensures that stateless children have access to the national schooling system.
Dr. Maszlee’s expertise in education was widely recognized, and he held numerous other positions of importance, including Chair of the Malaysian Parliament Select Committee on Education from 2021 to 2022, head of the Pakatan Harapan special committee for education from 2021 to 2023, and Deputy Chairman for Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS)/Selangor Public Library since December 2021. He also authored over 50 books, chapters, and nearly 100 academic journal articles that were published nationally and internationally. Additionally, he held prestigious positions such as President of the Southeast Asia Minister of Education Organization Council (SEAMEO), President of the Malaysia National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU), Head of the Council of Boy Scouts Malaysia, Chairman of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Board of Trustees, and President of the International Islamic University Malaysia.
