Some Malaysian political parties (or ministries) are like family-run businesses, and Prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, is not the first nor last, to show favoritism for a family member.
Special posts can be created specifically for family members, like when former Minister of Tourism, Nazri Aziz, created the post of “Special Officer” for his son, Nedim. He may not have been on the government payroll, but who wouldn’t like to be whizzed to exotic locations, in first-class on an all expenses paid “belajar sambil melawat”.
A month into his tenure as PM, Anwar quietly nominated his eldest daughter Nurul, to be his Senior Advisor on Economics and Finance. There had been no prior public announcement nor newspaper reporting. He must have known this would upset the public, so when she inadvertently mentioned this special post in a mainstream media interview, in February 2023, all hell broke loose.
Anwar dismissed the allegation of nepotism, and said “Nepotism is where (a family member) is given a position to abuse power, enrich themselves, obtain contracts and get paid a huge sum.”
Does Anwar think we are daft? When relatives are given special positions, including within political parties, they can wield enormous influence and few people dare challenge them because of the blood ties. They are in an extremely powerful position, but are not accountable to the public.
Malaysians were not convinced by Anwar’s definition of nepotism, and the public backlash prompted Nurul’s removal. However, it was very concerning when she kept popping up in overseas locations, whenever her father was present for a conference or summit. When quizzed, his aides would say her expenses had been paid for by NGOs.
When these politicians were in Opposition, they would have cried out, ‘nepotism’; but as the ruling party, their aides will come to the rescue with daft comments like “the public should not question the PMs’ decision”.
Towards the end of April 2025, Nurul suddenly came out with the claim that Reformasi was not dead, and she urged Malaysians to be patient because reforms take time.
It felt strange that reformasi had been brought up for no apparent reason, but now we know why.
At around the same time, many negative newspaper reports were circulating about PKR deputy president, Rafizi Ramli’s absence in Cabinet, his extended leave and his alleged resignation. Even Bersatu Youth joined in the chorus, questioning Rafizi’s absence.
So, was it coincidence that a week later intense lobbying started for Nurul to vie for the deputy president’s post in PKR?
PKR’s vice-president, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, who is also PKR Hang Tuah Jaya chief, and other division chiefs openly declared their support for Nurul to challenge incumbent PKR deputy president, Rafizi.
Shamsul hailed his boss’ daughter as someone who is “capable of advancing reformist values, driving change, and translating the people’s aspirations more effectively.”
Really? Didn’t her electorate reject her in Permatang Pauh? What are her notable achievements besides spearheading the movement to free her father from prison?
What has she done to advance women’s causes? What has she done to stimulate change? What has she done to ban child marriages, or ban polygamy, or urge the Minister of Education to introduce sex education in schools, or do much more to help single mothers who have been abandoned by their polygamous former husbands?
With Nurul gaining increasing support for the deputy presidency, the Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil denied the charge of nepotism. He, like others in PKR were confident of her capabilities, her integrity as a future leader of PKR, and her “high diplomacy to unite party members”.
The PKR Women deputy chief, Faizah Ariffin, voiced support for Nurul Izzah, because “no woman has occupied the position before”. Is that it?
Pasar Gudang MP, Hasan Karim, claimed that he opposed nepotism, but said that Nurul was an ideal candidate for the post as she has been involved in PKR’s struggle since she was 18. Seriously?
None of these people appear to listen to the rakyat who understand that with nepotism, the seeds of mistrust will be sown among the rakyat.
Nepotism goes against democratic principles and diminishes equal opportunities. Nepotism discourages highly qualified, and more experienced contenders from participating.
Posts that are filled with people with blood ties, instead of merit, will eventually lead to inefficiency, potential conflict of interest, possible abuse of power, probable misuse of funds, and discrimination.
We’ve seen firsthand with Malaysian political dynasties, that family members occupy important positions, and family businesses (and cronies) often “win” lucrative contracts.
Anwar has been a huge disappointment for Malaysians who supported change. PKR is no longer seen as a party which champions justice and equal rights. PKR behaves more like Parti Keluarga Rakyat. Mother, father, daughter.
The weakest link in the Madani administration is PKR, with its never-ending internal conflicts, personality clashes, power struggles and the sidelining of potential young leaders.
Malaysians are fed-up with playing family charades.
Perhaps, Nurul is being groomed to be PM. Her qualification? Being Anwar’s daughter.
Perhaps Rafizi should challenge Anwar for the top post.
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