Malaysia

Shahril confirms appointment as PM’s economic adviser

Umno info chief thanks Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, puts speculation to rest

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 12 Oct 2021 3:30PM

Shahril confirms appointment as PM’s economic adviser — Shahril Hamdan (left), who is also the deputy Umno Youth chief, graduated in economics at the University of Manchester in 2008 and completed his master’s degree in race ethnicity and postcolonial studies from the London School of Economics Political Science. – Shahril Sufian Hamdan Facebook pic, October 12, 2021

KUALA LUMPUR – After much speculation online, Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan finally confirmed his appointment as the economic director at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

In an interview with Umno Online, Shahril expressed his appreciation and thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for the appointment.

Shahril, who is also the deputy Umno Youth chief, also expressed his appreciation to party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for his blessings.

“I would like to express the greatest appreciation to the prime minister for this appointment and to the president for his blessings.

“God willing, I will do my best to help the existing economic team and try to contribute towards the recovery of the macroeconomy and the people,” he said.

Last night, a photo showing Shahril and Ismail Sabri with what looked like an appointment letter made its rounds.

Earlier, Shahril told The Vibes that he said he will leave it to the PMO to make an announcement, if any.

According to his personal website, Shahril was a strategy and management consultant at McKinsey and Company for three years, and a policy officer to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for two years.

He graduated in economics at the University of Manchester in 2008 and completed his master’s degree in race ethnicity and postcolonial studies from the London School of Economics Political Science.

Speculation was rife earlier that the Bera MP might appoint former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as his economic adviser.

However, he faced criticism seeing that Najib is facing multiple charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd financial scandal.

Last month, Najib had met Ismail Sabri at the latter’s office to discuss economic challenges and strategies to address the Covid-19 pandemic – posting about the meeting on their respective Facebook pages.

Najib was prime minister and finance minister until Barisan Nasional lost the 2018 general election. – The Vibes, October 12, 2021