Pro bono appointment does not legitimise nepotism - Hamzah

By Mohamad Amreel Iman Abd Malek

30 Jan 2023 08:09pm

Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision to appoint his daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar as his senior economic advisor is considered a form of betrayal to the people and should be withdrawn, said opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin today.

Hamzah said despite the services provided being pro bono, it was not a reason to legitimise nepotism.

"This appointment is not only inappropriate, wrong and damaging to the government's image, it is also completely against the practice of good governance, integrity and free of corruption.

"Offering services pro bono does not legitimise nepotism and Anwar's action to defend his daughter's appointment is something very shameful, especially since (former Petronas chairman) Tan Sri Hassan Marican was already acting as an advisor to the Prime Minister.

"The Prime Minister needs to withdraw this appointment. Nepotism in PKR should not be extended into the government administration. 'Walk the talk please'," he said in a statement on Monday.

Hamzah claimed that the action showed that Anwar's priorities were more focused on his own family than the people's issues.

"Malaysia Madani is just an empty rhetoric because the Prime Minister's priorities seem to be more directed towards his own family members than solving the cost of living issue, dealing with economic challenges and exploring new markets for Malaysia," he said.

PKR Vice President Nurul Izzah Anwar was appointed as Anwar's senior economic and financial advisor effective on Jan 3.

Anwar, who confirmed the appointment, said that he invited his daughter to fill the position to help him in the Prime Minister's Office and the Finance Ministry without paying any allowances to the former Permatang Pauh MP.

The appointment, however, has caused many disputes.