Nurul Izzah no longer Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s senior economic adviser

KUALA LUMPUR — Ms Nurul Izzah Anwar is no longer senior adviser on economics and finance to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In a statement, she said she will join the secretariat formed by the advisory panel for the Finance Ministry as its co-chairman.

“(Advisory committee chairman) Hassan (Marican) has invited me to join the advisory committee’s secretariat to help in its effort to strengthen the country and the people’s economy,” Ms Nurul Izzah said in the statement.

“I humbly accept this responsibility, and with this new role, I will no longer serve as the senior adviser on economics and finance to the prime minister.”

She was appointed Mr Anwar’s senior adviser on economics and finance on Jan 3, but the appointment was met with heavy criticism from the opposition as well as some in the government.

Despite the criticism, Mr Anwar gave his assurance that his daughter would never abuse her position for self-gain. He also stated that she would not be paid an allowance.

He dismissed allegations that the appointment was a case of nepotism, saying that her expertise and experience were needed. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT