PETALING JAYA: PKR Vice-President Nurul Izzah Anwar has revealed that she has been appointed as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on economics and finance.
The former Permatang Pauh MP told The Star in an interview that her appointment took effect on Jan 3.
The prime minister’s daughter hoped that her past experience as an MP, where she worked on poverty and technical and vocational education (TVET) issues, as well as her service on the Public Accounts Committee would serve her well.
“These can be leveraged in my engagement with experts in navigating economic governance, accountability and evidence-based policies,” she told the daily.
Nurul Izzah also said that one of her goals is to channel and leverage the talents of Malaysia’s best and brightest, both within and outside the government, and to add value to the ongoing efforts to improve the rakyat’s economic situation.
“My new roles will allow me to take on new responsibilities that are no doubt challenging, given the economic headwinds we are facing,” she said.
“However, I am confident of being able to contribute to the evolution of a Malaysia that not only seeks growth for growth’s sake but one that elevates all strata of society and provides equity in opportunities.”
Nurul Izzah previously served as the MP for Lembah Pantai for two terms from 2008 and later in Permatang Pauh, but she lost in the last general election (GE15).
Meanwhile, Anwar said the appointment of former of Nurul Izzah Anwar was made based on her qualifications.
Anwar said Nurul Izzah had a first degree in engineering and a second one in public and social policy from Johns Hopkins University, United States, and was appointed to assist him in the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
However, he said Nurul Izzah would not receive any allowances for her role.
“Even I don’t have a finance-related degree or certificate, but I was the Minister of Finance for eight years (in the 1990s). Even the ministers in (the previous) Perikatan Nasional (government) do not have (the relevant) degrees or certificates, but when it comes to us, they bring it up.
“So, is it true that a health minister must be a doctor? And a water minister must be an engineer? As for Nurul Izzah, she has an engineering degree and a public policy degree. Indeed, I asked her to help me as an advisor at the PMD and MOF,” he said.
Anwar, who is also Tambun MP, was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Tambun Parliamentary Service Centre here. Hulu Kinta state assemblyman Mohamad Arafat Varisai Mahamad was also present.
Nurul Izzah was reported Sunday to have confirmed her appointment as senior economic and financial advisor to the Prime Minister, adding that she began serving effective Jan 3.
Meanwhile, Anwar in his opening speech said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was instructed to take action against parties involved in corruption regardless of their party affiliation or position, including those working in the Prime Minister’s Office.
“No matter how rich the country is, it is impossible for us to raise its status and dignity, and defend the fate of the people (if there is corruption), that’s why I say the first thing is to restore good governance, rule of law.
“Starting from the top, from the Prime Minister to the ministers, menteris besar, state government and people’s representatives, (they have to) stop this corrupt practice and culture,” he said.
