OPPOSITION leader Hamzah Zainudin has chided Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for appointing his daughter Nurul Izzah as his senior economics and finance adviser.

Branding the Tambun MP as practising nepotism, Hamzah said the appointment was a betrayal to Malaysians and went against good governance as often voiced by Anwar.

“Anwar’s move to defend his daughter’s appointment is embarrassing, since Hassan Marican is already acting as an adviser (to the prime minister).

“It is apparent that the ‘Malaysia Madani’ slogan is merely rhetoric as the prime minister’s priorities seem to be focused on his own family members rather than tackling the high cost of living, handling economic challenges and exploring new markets for Malaysia,” said the Bersatu secretary general.

Hamzah stressed that although Nurul Izzah is not paid for her work, it is no excuse to practise nepotism.

“The prime minister needs to rescind the appointment immediately. The nepotism practised in PKR cannot be brought to the administration of the government. Walk the talk, please,” he said.

Yesterday Anwar said the appointment of former Permatang Pauh member of Parliament, as his senior economic and financial advisor, was made based on her qualifications.

Anwar said Nurul Izzah had a degree in engineering and another in public and social policy from Johns Hopkins University, in the United States, and was appointed to assist him in the prime minister’s department (PMD) and the Finance Ministry (MOF).

However, he said Nurul Izzah would not receive any allowances for her role.

Nurul Izzah was reported to have confirmed her appointment as senior economic and financial advisor to the prime minister, adding that she began serving effective January 3. –  January 30, 2023.