KUALA LUMPUR – A former PAS MP has questioned the merit of criticisms by various quarters over the appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar as an adviser to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also her father.
In a statement, Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali argued that Izzah is qualified for the post, going by her three terms as an MP, her previous stint in the Public Accounts Committee and her educational background in electrical engineering and international relations.
“The rakyat may judge her qualification to hold any position at the government level, based on her performance in Parliament and academic background.
“As such, I don’t see any justification to deny her a chance to be appointed as senior economic and financial adviser to the prime minister, especially when her position is without salary. This effectively eliminates any conflict of interest.”
The former Kuala Nerus MP, who was also an ex-PAS Syura Council member, said any issue of nepotism only exists if a family member is appointed without merit and qualification.
On Sunday, media reported that Izzah has been appointed Anwar’s senior economic and finance adviser pro bono effective January 3, which drew criticisms from various parties.
Anwar has since defended the move, insisting the appointment was made based on merit.
In his statement, Khairuddin cited several examples of how Prophet Muhammad himself had appointed members of his own family to take on leadership roles based on merit.
Among others, he noted how the prophet had appointed his father-in-law Abu Bakar As-Siddiq to lead the prayers in the Nabawi Mosque due to his knowledge, piousness and loyalty, before he was eventually nominated to lead Madinah.
“Ali Abu Talib was chosen by the prophet to lead the battle of Khaybar against the traitorous Jews not because he is the prophet’s son-in-law and cousin, but due to his qualification and battlefield experience.
“Usama Zayd was also appointed as the general by the prophet to lead Muslim troops against the Byzantine empire at the age of 18, not because he is the son of the prophet’s adopted child, but his qualification.”
“Hence, any appointment based on merit and qualification, even if it is among family members, is not an act of nepotism that is morally wrong.” – The Vibes, February 2, 2023
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