Despite the backlash against Education Minister Maszlee Malik's appointment as International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president, yet another Pakatan Harapan politician has taken up a leading position at a public university in Terengganu.

Perak PKR chairperson Muhammad Nur Manuty has been appointed to head Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin's (Unisza) board of directors for a duration of three years.

The appointment was announced on the university's official Facebook page yesterday.

"Congratulations to Datuk Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty on his appointment as the chairperson of the Unisza board of directors, from Oct 1, 2018, until Sept 30, 2021," read the message.

Muhammad was quoted by FMT confirming his appointment, but declined to elaborate further.

"They (Unisza) just appointed, I just received the letter. I don't want to comment, you have to ask the minister," he was quoted saying, adding that he will not be getting any form of payment for the role.

Maszlee’s IIUM appointment on Sept 4 had courted backlash from both opposition and Harapan lawmakers, as well as student activists.

The move was seen as going against the Harapan manifesto which promised there will be no political interference in universities.

Maszlee denied that his role contradicted the manifesto as IIUM was not bound by the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) but had its own constitution.

IUM too defended the appointment, saying Maszlee was well versed in the institution’s inner workings as a former member of its teaching staff.

Students protesting Maszlee's appointment have since pledged to embark on a roadshow at universities nationwide to push for his resignation.