KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has condemned remarks made by PAS Secretary-General and Kota Bharu MP, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who questioned the credibility of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in conducting a government-commissioned feasibility study on the proposed mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur.
“Politicians should recognise IIUM as a reputable academic institution, rather than attempting to undermine its role in this important government project,” Fahmi said during a weekly press conference following the Cabinet meeting.
“I find this attitude to be highly irresponsible. It belittles an institution that has produced leaders, not just locally but globally.”
The minister’s comments came in response to Takiyuddin’s earlier criticism, which suggested a dismissive view of IIUM’s established academic reputation.
Takiyuddin had questioned why IIUM was chosen for the study, given that several other public universities, such as Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), have similar expertise.
“There are many other ‘more senior’ universities in this country, such as UM, UKM, and others – or why not a consortium of universities?” Takiyuddin said at a press conference in Parliament on February 5, 2025.
“Don’t overlook Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), another ‘senior’ university,” he added.
Fahmi responded by clarifying that no formal Cabinet discussions had been held on the matter, as the memorandum and study findings had not yet been submitted for review.
“There is nothing to discuss at the moment,” he said, emphasising that it was too early to make any conclusions while the study was still ongoing.
The feasibility study was commissioned in December 2025 during Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa’s tenure as Minister of Health and was disclosed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Federal Territories, Y.B. Hannah Yeoh, on February 3, 2025.
Fahmi concluded his remarks by urging politicians to refrain from undermining academic institutions, particularly IIUM, for political gain.
“Don’t look down on our institutions of higher learning,” he said. “IIUM has contributed significantly to the nation, and we must respect that.” – February 6, 2026