Critics continue to slam Takiyuddin for questioning IIUM's credibility
Published: Feb 7, 2026 12:10 PM
Updated: 3:10 PM
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan's questioning of International Islamic University Malaysia's (IIUM) competence in conducting a feasibility study on mayoral polls in Kuala Lumpur has continued to draw backlash.
In particular, Amanah MP Azli Yusof urged Takiyuddin (above) to withdraw his "unfounded" statement, apologise to the IIUM community, and return to responsible, ethical and fact-based politics.
Azli highlighted that IIUM, established in 1983, is far from a "junior" university, especially since it has produced thousands of graduates and professionals in various fields.
"(IIUM) is not a trivial institution that can be mocked for narrow political interests,” the Shah Alam MP said in a statement today.
“The act of questioning IIUM’s credibility is not only irresponsible, but also reflects a political attitude that is anti-knowledge, anti-academic, and anti-fact-based discourse.”
Amanah MP Azli Yusof
Azli, who is also the chairperson for Amanah’s education and community empowerment bureau, further alleged that Takiyuddin’s remarks raise questions on whether PAS only recognises academic expertise when it stands to benefit, and rejects such knowledge when it does not.
“Undermining the standing of any public university even before a study begins only reinforces the perception that PAS fears facts, data, and open debate (while) creating negative perceptions that erode public confidence in knowledge, local expertise, and the nation’s future,” he added.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Feb 5, Takiyuddin had questioned the government’s decision to task IIUM with conducting a feasibility study on the prospect of holding mayoral polls in Kuala Lumpur.
The opposition chief whip had claimed there are many other “more senior” universities, such as Universiti Malaya or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which could have undertaken the task.
Yesterday, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil accused Takiyuddin of looking down on IIUM, despite the university having produced leaders not only for Malaysia, but also for other countries.
Intellectual partners
Commenting on the matter, former PKR MP Yusmadi Yusoff noted that IIUM’s international standing and multidisciplinary strengths make it “entirely appropriate” for serious research on governance and public institutions.
Azli, who is also the chairperson for Amanah’s education and community empowerment bureau, further alleged that Takiyuddin’s remarks raise questions on whether PAS only recognises academic expertise when it stands to benefit, and rejects such knowledge when it does not.
“Undermining the standing of any public university even before a study begins only reinforces the perception that PAS fears facts, data, and open debate (while) creating negative perceptions that erode public confidence in knowledge, local expertise, and the nation’s future,” he added.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Feb 5, Takiyuddin had questioned the government’s decision to task IIUM with conducting a feasibility study on the prospect of holding mayoral polls in Kuala Lumpur.
The opposition chief whip had claimed there are many other “more senior” universities, such as Universiti Malaya or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which could have undertaken the task.
Yesterday, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil accused Takiyuddin of looking down on IIUM, despite the university having produced leaders not only for Malaysia, but also for other countries.
Intellectual partners
Commenting on the matter, former PKR MP Yusmadi Yusoff noted that IIUM’s international standing and multidisciplinary strengths make it “entirely appropriate” for serious research on governance and public institutions.
IIUM, Gombak
Research on the role of a mayor in a complex city such as Kuala Lumpur, Yusmadi said, requires rigorous, interdisciplinary and comparative inquiry that is grounded in law, public policy, sustainability, urban development, and social cohesion.
“Public policy in any mature society must be anchored in evidence-based reasoning informed by research, data, and sound argument, rather than sentiment or political soundbites.
“Universities should therefore be treated as intellectual partners in nation building, not drawn into narrow political contestation,” Yusmadi added.
He asserted that to respect institutions of knowledge like IIUM is akin to respecting the long tradition of universities as one of the birthplaces of modern human civilisation, stressing that the matter should be considered a role that unites rather than divides.
‘Never be afraid of research’
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh previously said she had instructed her office to conduct a study into the feasibility of mayoral elections in Kuala Lumpur, as it would be more practical than electing multiple city councillors through local council polls.
The minister had also stressed that one should “never be afraid of research,” highlighting that to reach detailed and convincing decisions, accurate data and facts are needed.
Research on the role of a mayor in a complex city such as Kuala Lumpur, Yusmadi said, requires rigorous, interdisciplinary and comparative inquiry that is grounded in law, public policy, sustainability, urban development, and social cohesion.
“Public policy in any mature society must be anchored in evidence-based reasoning informed by research, data, and sound argument, rather than sentiment or political soundbites.
“Universities should therefore be treated as intellectual partners in nation building, not drawn into narrow political contestation,” Yusmadi added.
He asserted that to respect institutions of knowledge like IIUM is akin to respecting the long tradition of universities as one of the birthplaces of modern human civilisation, stressing that the matter should be considered a role that unites rather than divides.
‘Never be afraid of research’
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh previously said she had instructed her office to conduct a study into the feasibility of mayoral elections in Kuala Lumpur, as it would be more practical than electing multiple city councillors through local council polls.
The minister had also stressed that one should “never be afraid of research,” highlighting that to reach detailed and convincing decisions, accurate data and facts are needed.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh
The local council election, particularly in the capital, has long been a contentious issue.
At present, Kuala Lumpur and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) are under federal control, with the city administered by a government-appointed mayor.
Critics have argued that this structure concentrates power in the hands of the mayor, with limited checks and balances compared to other local councils.
However, right-wing Malay-based political parties have long opposed the local council election, claiming it would erode Malay power in urban areas where non-Malays are the majority.
The local council election, particularly in the capital, has long been a contentious issue.
At present, Kuala Lumpur and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) are under federal control, with the city administered by a government-appointed mayor.
Critics have argued that this structure concentrates power in the hands of the mayor, with limited checks and balances compared to other local councils.
However, right-wing Malay-based political parties have long opposed the local council election, claiming it would erode Malay power in urban areas where non-Malays are the majority.
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It's not about IIUM but the prospect of having to face 3rd level elections. PUS has overtaken UMNO as the most racist party in Malaysia. That's right, PUS is no longer an Islamic Party but a Malay one.
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