COMMENT | Reformist Anwar lost it big this time

COMMENT | Since becoming prime minister two months ago, Anwar Ibrahim has been saying all the right things – such as promoting good governance and democratic institutions, getting rid of corruption, nepotism, cronyism, and political appointments – to reform this ailing nation of 60 years.

He even said ministers and deputy ministers cannot make political appointments for their own office, except from the existing civil service.

But the appointment of Nurul Izzah, Anwar's daughter, as his senior finance and economics advisor, has done that all in. It came as a lightning bolt from an eerie darkening cloud that suddenly enveloped Anwar.

It seems Anwar talks about all the right things but does the direct opposite.

The reaction from the rakyat, except those connected, has been furious. The opposition is elated and having a field time poking fun at him. Even those within the fragile unity government are wondering whether Anwar has scored his own goal so soon.

Anwar's supporters in defending him are justifying the appointment, citing the nepotism and cronyism in appointments of previous leaders. Wasn’t that Anwar vowed to eradicate from day one?

I am offering my views here as a former senior civil servant, being qualified in finance and economics, as a professional chartered accountant and having a PhD related to economics. 

The position of an advisor, as with a consultant or similar capacity, requires specialist knowledge and years of on-the-job experience. Even if eminently qualified, advisors/consultants are only appointed if there is no expertise in-house that requires outside intervention. 

The finance ministry should know since they accredit qualified professionals, consultants and companies. Does the finance ministry itself now lack such talent, where only the top qualified people are appointed?

In any job application, the first ones to be weeded out are