I forgot to update LinkedIn bio on my PhD studies, says Harapan candidate

SEMENYIH POLLS | Muhammad Aiman Zainali is the latest figure from Pakatan Harapan to explain his academic qualifications, following the slew of misinformation surrounding the credentials of several leaders.

Harapan's 30-year-old pick for the coming March 2 Semenyih polls clarified today that he had yet to complete his PhD, and asserted that he has never claimed otherwise.

According to a Star Online report, his profile on social networking site LinkedIn contained inconsistencies on his academic background.

Campaign flyers reportedly state that Aiman – the son-in-law of the late Semenyih incumbent Bakhtiar Mohd Nor – has a PhD in electrical engineering, with his LinkedIn profile stating he completed his studies in 2016.

“When I created the account, I listed that I expected to graduate by 2016, but that didn’t happen because I had to put my studies on hold to take care of my ill grandmother.

“I just forgot to update my LinkedIn account," he was quoted saying on the campaign trail.

Aiman's clarification comes following the controversy involving several leaders from the ruling coalition accused of falsifying their higher education qualifications.

Deputy Foreign Minister Marzuki Yahya was forced to clarify that he obtained his degree from the US-based Cambridge International University – later revealed to be a degree mill.

Since then, others including Deputy Human Resources Minister Mahfuz Omar, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian and Tronoh state assemblyperson Paul Yong have been forced to clarify their qualifications, with many pointing out they never claimed to have said degrees.