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
