KUALA LUMPUR – Two reform-oriented NGOs have called for transparency in the selection process of advisers in all government administrations following the debate surrounding the appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar as a senior economic and financial adviser to the prime minister.
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) said it is concerned that the move may set a precedent for other similar appointments of family members, which may further jeopardise the administration’s reputation.
The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) stressed that the selection must follow best practice examples. It also expressed its misgivings that other ministers might also appoint their kin to such positions without following such best practices.
Noting that Pakatan Harapan has long championed the issue of good governance, Ideas said it is not surprising that questions are being raised as to whether due process was adhered to.
Nurul Izzah, a former MP and current PKR vice-president, is the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“There must be more transparency in the appointment of advisors, including the terms of reference,” Ideas said in a statement today.
The organisation, however, expressed hope that, while problematic, the appointment will ultimately serve the interests of the people and that Nurul Izzah will work alongside the relevant ministries to achieve reforms that the country so urgently needs.
These include addressing structural economic issues that have long plagued the nation, such as on the challenges of social protection, fiscal balance, tax reforms, and industrial competitiveness.
It also acknowledged that Nurul Izzah is highly competent and qualified, given her three terms as MP and that she possesses a master’s in public policy from an esteemed university abroad.
“Additionally, she has led a credible study on multi-dimensional poverty with Prof Fatimah Kari as lead researcher, the latter of whom is also Ideas’ senior fellow.
“Nevertheless, the impression that this gives is that she has been appointed because she is the daughter of the prime minister.
“While Ideas is confident in her ability to contribute meaningfully through national service, and we also appreciate the fact that she is not drawing a salary, the appointment done in this manner is counterproductive and easily leads to questions regarding nepotism and conflict of interest, and even other public policy decisions that will be consequently made by this administration.”
Allow public to apply
Meanwhile, C4 Centre said the qualifications, application and selection process needs to be made public and transparent so that every interested individual will have a chance to apply for the job.
“There needs to be transparency in the political appointment process, and the selection must follow best practice examples,” said its deputy CEO Sudhagaran Stanley in a statement.
“Surely the prime minister, or any minister for that matter, would want the best and most qualified person to be on his team. But how do we achieve this when there is no room for the public to apply for such positions?
“How could we be sure that Nurul Izzah is the most qualified person that has been selected for that job? What is the benchmark that we are comparing against here?”
He also underlined the NGO’s concern on this matter setting the wrong precedent.
“Other ministers might now do the same in appointing their daughters or family members to lead important portfolios,” he said.
“Where do we draw the line here then? This is surely not a good governance practice.”
Stressing that the position being pro-bono is irrelevant, Stanley pointed to conflict of interest issues arising.
“This could place the PM in a difficult and dangerous position,” he said.
He added that the government must urgently initiate reforms and “this must start from the top.”
Nurul Izzah’s appointment was reported on Sunday but had been in effect since January 3.
Yesterday, Anwar had said that the move has nothing to do with nepotism as Nurul Izzah was appointed to ensure that all matters pertaining to contracts and tenders are managed well.
“This is a different situation, where she comes in to help me. She is making sure that matters such as contracts and tenders are managed properly, not to take on any projects.
“Nepotism is when you abuse power to make yourself richer, and get contracts for projects so they could (be) marked (up) to get a higher income,” he said. – The Vibes, February 1, 2023
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