Pro bono work excuse won’t cut it, says Hamzah

PETALING JAYA: The action of the Prime Minister in appointing his daughter as his senior economics and finance adviser was a “betrayal” of all Malaysians, says Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic).

The Perikatan Nasional secretary-general said not only was the matter inappropriate, wrong and damaging to the government’s image, the appointment was also completely against the principles of good governance and integrity.

“(Working) pro bono is no reason to legitimise nepotism, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s action to defend his daughter’s appointment is shameful, especially since Tan Sri Hassan Marican is already an adviser to the Prime Minister,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The Larut MP also took a jab at the ‘Malaysia Madani’ concept that Anwar introduced on Jan 19, saying it turned out to be “empty rhetoric”.

“The Prime Minister’s priorities seem to be more directed towards his own family members, rather than solving the cost of living issue, dealing with economic challenges, and exploring new markets.”

Calling on the PKR president to “walk the talk”, Hamzah said Nurul Izzah’s appointment should be withdrawn.

The appointment has even drawn criticism from leaders within PKR, with its Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim questioning her appointment.

He said “a friend who is a Pakatan supporter” asked him his opinion on Anwar appointing Nurul Izzah.

“My answer was simple – (it is) legally right, but morally wrong,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

However, some defended the appointment, saying Nurul Izzah’s political experience and intellectual capabilities make her fit for the job.

Melaka PKR vice-president Ginie Lim said Nurul Izzah’s qualifications and political experience would enable her to carry out her responsibilities well.

“She has led several think tanks and research groups in the country and represented the country in international conferences.

“Although she is the daughter of the Prime Minister and PKR president, it does not change the fact that she has her own strengths and capabilities,” she said on Facebook yesterday.

Lim also said Nurul Izzah, who is a PKR vice-president, has made sacrifices in the struggle for reforms, where she never gave in even when Anwar was imprisoned.

Penang’s Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said the appointment was “timely”.

“Our country faces an uphill battle to combat inflation and corruption amidst a backdrop of the sluggish global economy. Members of Pakatan Harapan and PKR can all attest to Nurul Izzah’s capabilities as a leader and friend to everyone.”

In an exclusive interview in Sunday Star with Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Nurul Izzah revealed she has been serving as senior adviser since Jan 3.

“It is my fervent hope that my past experience in the legislature as an MP, work on poverty and technical and vocational education, and service on the Public Accounts Committee, can be leveraged in my engagement with experts in navigating economic governance, accountability and evidence-based policies,” she had said.