KUCHING: The Centre for Market Education (MEC) has expressed concerns over the appointment of PKR Vice-President Nurul Izzah Anwar as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on economics and finance.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune on Mofay (Jan 30), its chief executive officer (CEO) and economist Dr Carmelo Ferlito said, the appointment raised questions about the Prime Minister’s commitment to reform and good governance, as many view this appointment as a departure from these principles.
Ferlito pointed out that Nurul Izzah’s lack of economics background, further raised questions about her suitability for the position despite the former’s belief that her experience qualified her for the role.
“Economic policy-making requires a deep understanding of financial systems, markets, and macroeconomic principles. Without prior experience in this field, it’s unlikely that she will be able to effectively advise on economic and financial matters,” he said.
Even though the Prime Minister’s defense of his daughter’s appointment might have provided some reassurance, Ferlito said it has done little to dispel concerns about nepotism and the importance of merit-based appointments.
According to the economist, the government must take these concerns into consideration as it moves forward with its economic and political reform.
He also warned that it was imperative that the Prime Minister appoint individuals who have the necessary experience and background to provide effective advice on economic and financial matters, in order to maintain the public’s trust and confidence in the government’s commitment to reform and good governance.
The public, he said, must have confidence that the government was making informed decisions based on the advice of experts, and the appointment of an unqualified individual in a senior role undermined that confidence.
Nurul Izzah told The Star in an interview that her appointment as senior economic adviser to Anwar took effect on Jan 3.
