Nurul Izzah's appointment damaging to govt's image, says Hamzah

PETALING JAYA: The Opposition has called Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's appointment of his own daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar as a senior adviser "a betrayal of all Malaysians".

Its parliamentary leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the appointment was not only inappropriate, wrong and damaging to the government's image, but was also against the practice of good governance, integrity and freedom from corruption.

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"Pro bono is not a reason to legitimise nepotism and Anwar's action to defend his daughter's appointment is shameful, especially since Tan Sri Hassan Marican is already acting as an adviser to the Prime Minister," he said in a statement on Monday (Jan 30).

Hamzah, who is Perikatan Nasional secretary-general, also took a jab at the Malaysia Madani concept introduced on Jan 19 by Anwar, saying it was just "empty rhetoric".

"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," his statement added.

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Calling on Anwar to "walk the talk," Hamzah said the appointment should be withdrawn.

"Nepotism in PKR cannot be dragged into government administration," he said.

Malaysia Madani is a framework introduced by Anwar that lays out his vision for a civilised, skilled and inclusive society.

It has a set of six core values – sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.