Right Move Nurul Izzah

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Nurul Izzah Anwar’s resignation as senior economics and financial adviser to her father, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, yesterday was not a surprise to many.
She is her father’s daughter, all right, but Nurul Izzah is an intelligent and strong-willed person with a mind of her own, as those who know her personally would attest.
I believe she decided to work her way through the flak, mainly associated with nepotism, following her appointment two weeks ago.
Wisely, Nurul Izzah resigned as her father’s adviser but accepted an invitation to co-head a secretariat that was formed to support an advisory committee to Anwar, in his role as finance minister.
I’m happy for Nurul Izzah that the controversy has ended on a somewhat positive note. Good for her!
I concede that I was among the anti-nepotism group when the controversy first surfaced. I hesitated to voice my opinions in this column then, as there was already a deluge of views, letters and articles in Malaysiakini.
Our poor prime minister and his family must be going through a torrid time over the nepotism allegation and I decided to refrain from adding to their misery.
Nurul Izzah hugs her mother Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her fatherInstead, I took the issue back home to my fellow Sarawakians and did a quick survey on the Nurul Izzah appointment among those on my contact list.
I penned in my column in the New Sarawak Tribune newspaper on Feb 8, declaring my stand that all controversial appointments, particularly those involving family members, should be avoided.
What must be noted is that those who criticised the PM and the Parliament speaker are not only from the opposition but also from the Pakatan Harapan leadership and well-meaning civil society leaders who are known Harapan supporters.
Anwar, his cabinet ministers and other senior leaders of his administration should do well to take note of the criticisms, particularly those coming from within Harapan.
Many want unity government to succeed
I believe there are many sincere Harapan supporters who want Anwar and his unity government to succeed and they meant well when they were being vocal with their brickbats against the government.
On the same day, I circulated the article to about 50 friends, adding this footnote: “It is not wrong but the perception of appointing family members must surely be negative. Saying they are working “pro bono” is just a lame excuse.
“My stand is this. Avoid making controversial appointments. It’s not worth it. The brickbats might be unfair but they are nonetheless valid.
“Bear this in mind, Mr Prime Minister. Malaysians in general are saying “No” to nepotism. Listen to them.”
Out of a total of 34 responses, only two disagreed with my anti-nepotism view.
To be fair, listen to what they, too, have to say:
One wrote: “I think it’s okay for Anwar to bring in the capable daughter as his official economic advisor. As PM, he has plenty on his plate. Anwar has limited time and it’s good he has a smart and trusted daughter to help him.  We must be thankful that the PM is out to curb corruption. Anwar has my vote.”
Another said: “I personally find nothing wrong with the appointment of a very capable officer without pay to assist the PM. The newly-minted PM may need someone close to him for a sympathetic shoulder to cry on should he face difficult decisions, and who is better than one of his own blood.”
I find this one from a lawyer friend interesting too: “Nurul Izzah is the only trusted assistant. Some of Anwar’s previous aides claimed to have been sodomised by him. Despite being convicted for Sodomy 2, Saiful's allegations could not be proven. We can recall all three doctors confirmed Saiful's rectum was still ‘intact’.
“Be that as it may, I believe this controversy will not end here. Whatever the reason, as a matter of good governance, such an appointment ought to be avoided. Just my logical thoughts.”
Also on the same Wednesday (Feb 8), I also took note of the many advisers being appointed by prime ministers and shared these thoughts with my friends:
“At this point, I support Anwar too but I will be prepared to tell him to be cautious when making controversial decisions.
“Apparently, the many advisers he appointed dare not tell him the truth. When the tide of perception flows against the leader, let the truth reach his ears. Don’t hide it.
“You are nothing but a useless sycophant if you dare not advise the leader who appointed you as his adviser with honesty and sincerity. Most leaders love to be surrounded by apple polishers and don’t expect Anwar to be an exception.”
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir MohamadI added this footnote: When Dr Mahathir Mohamad returned as PM in 2018, he appointed a council of elders as advisers. Those guys are prominent, veteran leaders who had gone through and seen it all.
Don’t tell me that they were also caught unaware of the impending Sheraton Move in February 2020. Or did they choose to be on the side of the traitors? Anything is possible.
Finally, let’s keep an eye on what Anwar’s new group of advisers have been ‘advising’ the PM - or were they just appointed to make them feel good and earn their support?
Note that an adviser to the Prime Minister has some clout which is useful, and even easily abused, in his/her dealings and interactions with others.
So, right move, Nurul Izzah. You wriggled your way out brilliantly.
Now, I hope that the son of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has a similar plan as yours. If he doesn’t, lend Mohammed Iqbal a helping hand, Nurul Izzah. - Mkini
FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at [email protected].
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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