COMMENT | I refer to the Malaysiakini report 'Students give Maszlee seven days to resign as IIUM president'.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik knows that there is nothing the students can do to change the situation and so he grins from ear to ear. He may continue to smile widely but for Asheeq Ali, this isn't a joke. It is not a situation to be laughed at and brushed off in front of the media with a "Rilek la bro" attitude.

For Asheeq Ali, it is personal. In 2016, he was suspended for one semester and fined RM200 by UKM for his involvement in the Tangkap M01 rally. University autonomy is an issue that has affected not only him but many others as well.

Maszlee’s meeting with student protestors to “listen to their views” is nothing more than a political move in an attempt to appease those who oppose his appointment. His mind was already made up prior to the meeting.

In seven days, the students shall protest again but he has already made clear his intention to proceed with his appointment. I just hope they won't be arrested.

Maszlee’s statement that he shall “relinquish his position and amend the rules so that no politicians can be appointed as the university’s president” once he completes his mission and brings back the glory of IIUM is worrying....