KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s appointment of his daughter as his senior economics and finance advisor was a betrayal of Malaysians’ trust notwithstanding the justification that she would not be paid, said Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

Criticising the appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar that was revealed in an interview yesterday, Hamzah described the move as one that was blatantly against good governance, integrity, and honesty.

"Pro bono is not an excuse to sanctify nepotism and Anwar’s action of defending his daughter’s appointment was embarrassing, especially when (former Petronas chief) Tan Sri Hassan Marican is already advising him,” Hamzah said in a statement.

"Clearly, Malaysia Madani is simply hollow rhetoric as the PM’s priority appears to be his family members rather than solving cost-of-living issues, addressing economic challenges, and exploring new markets for Malaysia.”

Hamzah then told Anwar to "walk the talk” by rescinding the appointment, saying the latter should not taint the federal government with the nepotism in PKR.

Yesterday, Nurul Izzah revealed in an interview that she has been appointed as a senior advisor on finance and the economy to her father, PM Anwar. It was subsequently disclosed that she assumed the role on January 3.

Later the same day, Anwar defended his daughter’s appointment by saying it was not necessary for Nurul Izzah to have formal qualifications in finance and economics in order to advise him on such matters.

He further insisted that the appointment was legitimate as Nurul Anwar would not be compensated for her service.