Don't bring 'PKR-style nepotism' into govt, opposition leader tells Anwar

Anwar Ibrahim has been urged to revoke the appointment of his daughter as his senior economic adviser, with opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin saying it smacks of what he describes as the nepotism present in the political party led by the prime minister.

"The prime minister needs to revoke this appointment. Don't drag PKR's nepotism into the administration. 

"Walk the talk, please," Hamzah said in a statement, adding to the chorus of condemnation that has greeted news of Nurul Izzah Anwar being made a senior economic and financial adviser to her father.

Hamzah also told Anwar that Nurul's lack of salary for her new role did not justify the practice of nepotism, saying the prime minister's defence of his daughter's appointment was shameful.

"Clearly the slogan of Malaysia Madani (Civil Malaysia) is just empty rhetoric because the prime minister's priorities seem to be focused on his family members, rather than the cost of living, economic challenges and exploring new markets for Malaysia," he added.

He also reminded Anwar that Hassan Marican, the former Petronas boss, had already been named to head a team of advisers to the prime minister.

Nurul, who lost her Permatang Pauh seat in the recent polls, revealed her appointment in an interview with The Star, saying it took effect on Jan 3.

She said her experience as an MP would come in handy when engaging with "experts in navigating economic governance, accountability and evidence-based policies".

She also said she had been busy meeting with business groups and stakeholders as part of the preparations for the upcoming budget to be tabled by her father.

Anwar later defended the appointment, saying Nurul was qualified for the role despite not having a suitable economics background.

"Even I don't have a finance-related degree or certificate, but I was the minister of finance for eight years (in the 1990s)," he said.