KUALA LUMPUR – There are “psychological tactics at play” regarding criticism of his educational background, says Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Kuala Kubu Baharu candidate, Khairul Azhari Saut.
However, he remains committed to conducting a healthy campaign in the by-election and will not allow personal attacks to detract from the larger cause of PN.
Khairul Azhari Saut took to Facebook to express his gratitude to Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) for resolving the “confusion” regarding his education background.
He thanked the UMPSA Advanced chief executive, Ahmad Johari Mohamad, for explaining the validity of the courses he had taken.
“I acknowledge that there is considerable discussion surrounding my educational background, obtained during my higher studies at UMPSA. While I have addressed the media on this matter, I choose not to elaborate further, as my current priority lies in conducting a thoughtful and equitable campaign and in supporting voters as they prepare to cast their ballots on May 11.
“I am aware of the psychological tactics at play, which centre on my background. However, I am resolute in confronting this issue with credibility and competence, focusing on the broader goals of the Perikatan Nasional team.
“However, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to (UMPSA Advanced chief executive) Ahmad Johari Mohamad for his explanation confirming the validity of my studies, which he shouldn’t have had to provide in the first place.
“Nevertheless, once again, I extend my gratitude for the clarification,” said the statement.
Alongside the post, Khairul attached a copy of Johari’s statement to dispel any uncertainties and appease both supporters and sceptics deeply invested in the issue.
Additionally, the 54-year-old included copies of his transcripts and study certificates to substantiate the clarifications.
“(So, with this), allow me and our team to continue our fight to win the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat, because that is what the rakyat needs now.
“The people are struggling due to the increasing cost of living, and this is PN’s focus.
“We are committed to conducting a healthy campaign and will not tolerate any personal attacks directed at me as we unite under Perikatan Nasional,” said the Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting division chief.
The media recently reported that Johari confirmed Khairul’s enrollment in the professional programme offered under UMPSA Advanced, a lifelong learning programme that offers multidisciplinary and industry-relevant academic studies prominently in engineering, engineering technology, computing, applied sciences, management and human sciences.
He also verified Khairul’s graduation and receipt of his degree in 2021.
Johari said diploma holders could directly pursue their studies to the Executive Master’s level at UMPSA if they met the work experience qualification requirements, adding that applicants under this programme must also pass the Recognition of Past Experience evaluation, which serves as another determining factor for their admission.
Yesterday, the coalition’s Selangor chief, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, said that Khairul’s educational qualifications were legitimate.
He added that it was customary for individuals like Khairul to pursue executive courses, which are shorter programmes tailored for working professionals.
When met by reporters during the nomination for the Kuala Kubu Baharu poll yesterday, Khairul kept mum over his educational qualifications as he maintained that he wanted to only focus on “fighting” with other candidates fairly. – April 28, 2024