KUCHING: A Federal minister has called for an end to the controversy surrounding the appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar as the prime minister’s senior advisor for matters related to economics and finance.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing stated that it is time to let the matter rests and allow Nurul Izzah to focus on urgent matters that need attention.
“Whether she is related to the prime minister or not, at this moment let us support her and allow her the chance to serve the nation in her capacity,” Tiong said yesterday (Feb 1).
He pointed out that advisers to a senior government leader are at times appointed for the purpose of giving alternative viewpoints or to fill in gaps that focus on the underserved portion of the society.
Elaborating further, he said it does not necessarily overlap any current functions in the government to the point of redundancy.
“For the sake of the country’s economic recovery, I appeal to the critics and all Malaysians in general that further politicking and propaganda on the issue must be put to rest.
“It has been one whole term of politicking, it is now time for us to focus on what is more important which is bringing the country back to a solid economic footing,” he said.
Tiong noted that the people want to see the economy improve and reasonable constructive public policies being debated and formed, not more politicking which only erodes local and foreign confidence in the country’s leadership.
“Enough is enough – we need all the help that we can get, not more wasteful politicking by running down political foes which only serves to derail Malaysia’s growth and development trajectory like in the past parliamentary term,” he said.
