PETALING JAYA: I have done my best for Malaysia’s children during this trying pandemic, says Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin as he ended his tenure as Education Minister.

       He also asked for forgiveness for his unyielding stance during the 18 months he helmed the ministry.

       “As a ‘warlord’ in a time of crisis, some may be offended by my actions or assertiveness,” he said in a Facebook post Tuesday (Aug 17), a day after he resigned as Education Minister together with the rest of the Cabinet.

       “To the teachers, I am not good at rhetoric, but rest assured, and you can ask my friends in the ministry, I have done my best for you during this very difficult period,” he added.

       Radzi said he was aware that his calling to steer the ministry through the difficult period caused by the pandemic was never experienced by any other education minister, and added that as a “kampung boy” who was out of the country for nearly two decades, he only wanted to serve his country upon his return from Australia.

       "Managing the ministry during a pandemic is no walk in the park, and none of us in the ministry, or those out there, have gone through it. Therefore, we were careful in our planning, with each decision made following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders.

       “I have taken on the trust given to me by the ministry with all my heart without the intention of seeing the quality of the country's education raised to a much higher level.

       “In addition to resolving long-standing issues, many improvements have been and are being implemented,” said Radzi, who thanked Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for his trust in him.

       He also thanked everyone at the ministry, district and state education offices, teachers who worked hard to ensure students could still study during the numerous movement control orders.

       Radzi is a member of Bersatu and has served as Education Minister since March 10, 2020.