Johor PKR MP Hassan Karim says PM must reconsider daughter Nurul Izzah’s appointment as financial adviser

PASIR GUDANG, Feb 1 — Johor PKR lawmaker Hassan Abdul Karim today urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reconsider the appointment of his daughter, Nurul Izzah as his senior adviser, amid backlash and nepotism accusations from the public.

The Pasir Gudang MP said Anwar does not need to apologise but rather reconsider the decision to appoint his daughter.

"If not, this issue will drag on. Political opponents will continue to make this an issue and when Parliament opens Anwar will be defensive.

"There is a Malay proverb ‘Sesat di hujung jalan, balik ke pangkal jalan’ which basically means that one should return to the right path once they realise the mistake they have made.

"To me, another person can be appointed for the senior advisory position while Nurul Izzah can play a role under other ministries,” Hassan told reporters when asked if the prime minister’s daughter should resign from the position.

Hassan had earlier inspected the condition of drains that often result in flash floods in Kampung Seri Bahagia, Plentong here.

Nurul Izzah, who is also a PKR vice president, was appointed to her role as a senior adviser on January 3, but the matter only came to light earlier this week after she did an interview with The Star.

Hassan said that the issue will continue to be a liability for Anwar if it is not corrected and will even damage the people's trust in him as the prime minister.

He said that the appointment of Anwar’s own daughter under the Ministry of Finance led by him contradicted the principles of reform that he had fought for all this time.

"If left unchecked, there will be a damaged perception towards Anwar and the unity government. People will start questioning what kind of ‘Malaysia Madani’ concept this is or where the reform is,” he said.

In addition, Hassan said Nurul Izzah's involvement may create interference as the Finance Ministry already has its own experts and professionals who are salaried staff.

"Nurul Izzah can be given a place in the government such as under the Economic Affairs Ministry with Rafizi Ramli," he said.

Yesterday, Anwar was reported to have said that although some people are unhappy with his decision, he "guarantees” that his administration will continue to fight corruption, abuse of power and the enrichment of any leader or officer.