[UPDATED] Jamil Khir Baharom appointed as religious adviser to PM

KUALA LUMPUR – Kedah Umno chief Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom is now religious adviser to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, with his appointment effective yesterday.

Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Suraya Yaacob briefly told The Vibes that the appointment was effective yesterday, and did not wish to comment further on the matter.

“It was effective yesterday. Further questions should be directed to Jamil Khir.”

With this appointment, he joins fellow Umno member Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said who is the prime minister’s law and human rights adviser.

While neither Jamil Khir, nor the prime minister have said anything on the appointment, Kedah Umno has made a congratulatory post earlier today on its Facebook page.

Jamil Khir was religious minister from 2009 till 2018. Before winning the Jerai constituency in 2013, he was made senator. In 2018, he failed to defend his seat, losing it to PAS.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Ismail Sabri has appointed three advisers, each costing RM50,000 including their staffers.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad in a parliamentary reply did not reveal who the advisers were, but said it involves health, religion, law, and human rights. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021