PETALING JAYA: Many quarters have responded warmly to having the Deputy Prime Minister as the new Education Minister.

Former education director-general Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin said the move showed the importance the leadership attached to education at the primary and secondary levels.

"As an educationist, I welcome the appointment of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as he is a very experienced politician. I am sure he will bring tremendous support and benefit to the ministry," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak appointed Muhyiddin the Education Minister in the new Cabinet line-up on Thursday.

Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said he welcomed Muhyiddin on board.

"We will give him our full cooperation and brief him on developments in the ministry."

National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng said the appointment showed the Prime Minister took the teaching profession seriously.

"We will give our full support to the Deputy Prime Minister."

Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities president Dr Parmjit Singh said it was reassuring that Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had been retained as Higher Education Minister.

"We will be able to move on the same pathway. Khaled has been very supportive of private education."

-The Star/Asia News Network