“Was this a paid tweet?” – Maszlee Malik Slammed For Promoting Local College’s Diploma in Aviation

Former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik recently found himself facing some backlash after he was accused of being paid for promoting a local university’s diploma in aviation course.

In a Twitter post, Maszlee wrote, “Courses that guarantee a good income! I was surprised to see the courses offered at MERITUS University, Kuala Lumpur. These are some of them. These courses have wide job opportunities, and promise a decent income.”

Kursus-kursus yang menjanjikan pendapatan lumayan!

Saya terkejut melihat kursus-kursus yang ditawarkan di MERITUS University, Kuala Lumpur.

Ini adalah antara sebahagian daripadanya. Kursus-kursus ini mempunyai peluang kerja yang luas, dan menjanjikan pendapatan yang lumayan. pic.twitter.com/a0ikTKPuuw

— Maszlee Malik ??? (@maszlee) January 17, 2023

He went on to share the university’s website link and said, “It’s a pity that this university is not as popular as other private universities.”

Diploma in aviation?

For those who are unaware, there is actually no need for a diploma to become a pilot. The minimum entry requirements to get a commercial pilot licence are:

• Minimum age of 17
• Fluent in the English language
• Completion of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with 5 credits (including English, Mathematics and Science) or “O” level equivalent for prospective candidates outside Malaysia
• Completion of a Class I or II medical examination by a CAAM-approved medical practitioner
• Letter of Approval from the CAAM

What are you promoting?

Maszlee’s post has since gone viral and drawn a lot of flak from netizens who slammed him for promoting a diploma in aviation which is not even necessary for those who want to become pilots.

“Please, if you want to become a pilot enter flying school, don’t waste your time and money by entering university.”

Another commented, ” Go to flying school to get your licence. Not university.”

Meanwhile, other netizens accused Maszlee of getting paid for promoting the university.

“Is this a paid tweet? Even promoted the website link. Please clarify.”

A user said, “Why are you promoting something that many say is not even that useful to be a pilot.”

What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Maszlee Malik’s Daughter’s Professor Mistakes Him for Late Chairman Mao, M’sians are Puzzled