'Not wrong to appoint family members as long they're qualified' - Penang Mufti
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor
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Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said it was not an offence for a leader or government leader to appoint family members so long as they are qualified.
He said Nurul Izzah's expertise could serve to facilitate the country's affairs.
"It is not wrong for a leader or a government leader to appoint family members as an assistant or advisor as long as they have the credentials, expertise as well as integrity.
"As a religious person, I see this issue from an Islamic perspective. In evaluating an action or practice some of us are confused between the goal and the means to achieve it. A majority of the time is spent arguing on how to achieve it while the goal itself would be sidelined or ignored altogether," he said in a statement today.
Salim said as a Malaysian the people should be proud of an individual who was willing to serve the country voluntarily without being rewarded.
"I am baffled with the criticism as no fees will be given. They could have hired another individual who would have rewarded without contributing," he said, further stating such attitude indicates a lack of common sense.
He said it relates to the country's governance and the goal should be to achieve efficiency, transparency and trustworthiness so that the rakyat are protected while enjoying freedom, justice and welfare.
"To achieve such a feat, individuals responsible must possess integrity to prevent inconsistencies and misuse of public funds that harm the country.
"I don't want to praise Nurul Izzah excessively because she is only human and not immune to weaknesses and shortcomings. I also don't want to compare her to the late spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz.
"However, I know Nurul Izzah is not a money-minded person. She has the qualifications for the position appointed," he said.
Salim said Anwar's action was noble and praiseworthy.
"If we look at it from an Islamic perspective, the action follows the footsteps of righteous individuals.
"May Allah bless Anwar and his daughter and may outstanding personalities like this increase in Malaysia," he said.
Nurul Izzah on Sunday confirmed her appointment and begun her service on Jan 3.
