Are we about to see more political dynasties being formed, because in 21st Century Malaysia the only qualification deemed necessary is that one’s parent, preferably father, is at the top of the greasy political ladder.

We are eager to be rid of the old guard in politics, many of whom are in their seventies, with outdated ideas, and who shape policy by clinging on to the trinity of race, religion and the royal institution; but will we ever be rid of them because we now find that some of their daughters have been promoted into positions of influence.

Like father, like daughter? Will the daughters continue the legacy of their fathers?

Prior to GE15, we were led to believe by the Pakatan Harapan manifesto that the coalition would rid the nation of the culture of nepotism, patronage and corruption.

How wrong we were!

On 16 October 2024, the daughter of the convicted felon and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s daughter, Nooryana Najwa, was appointed to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) board of directors.

No information was given for the length of her directorship, nor the reasons for appointing her.

On 12 January, 2025, the daughter of the PM, Nurul Izzah Anwar become the head a new think-tank, Polity, which focuses on economic security.

She also chairs another NGO called the Social Economic Research Initiative or SERI.

On 13 January, Nurul Hidayah, the daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi was appointed to the board of Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM).

An appointment letter allegedly signed by Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir stated that Nurul Hidayah’s tenure would be for three years, starting from 2 January 2025.

According to the news article in Malaysiakini, the letter stated that her appointment represented a “knowledgeable and experienced composition” in accordance with Subsection 18(1) of the UPM constitution.

What does that mean in plain English?

Wading into the furore was Gerakan President Dominic Lau, who accused Pakatan Harapan of having no will to reform political appointments when he described Nurul Hidayah’s appointment to the UPM board.

Malaysians must be thoroughly confused that out of the 15 million adult population of the country, it appears that we are extremely short of talent and must tap into the families of senior politicians to head various organisations.

The Malaysian brain drain must be very serious indeed!

Their father’s position at the top of the greasy political ladder is seen by private companies or institutions as a good investment.

As expected, Malaysians will demand to know why the top positions are filled by the progeny of senior politicians. Why was it allowed to happen? Was there any transparency in the appointments?

We may think we live in a democracy but our society cannot dispense itself of its political patronage and feudalistic tendencies.

Of equal interest is the noticeable absence of qualified individuals from the non-Malay/Muslim population for these appointments.

Why is that? It is not true that there are none or few non-Malay individuals who have the requisite skills. What is going on?

We want our politicians to think of the interests of the nation, and put the country first, and not their own self-serving agendas, or help their daughters in their career progression.

We want them to promote people with the right qualifications, skills and experience, who have something to contribute to society and the nation. Not family members.

All of Malaysia’s former prime ministers, including the sitting PM Anwar Ibrahim, are from the original Umno.

A few may have left Umno-Baru and formed their own parties because of infighting or personality clashes, but essentially they all carry the same political genetic material – that of Umno.

In the past, it was alleged that government scholarships and multi-million ringgit contracts for major infrastructure projects were awarded to children of politicians and their cronies.

Malaysians may recall how politicians’ children get their hands on taxpayers’ money via major government deals, like the provision of air-traffic control systems, and the recent National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) scandal.

Incredibly, the sons and daughters of Malaysian politicians have a strong sense of entitlement which you rarely see in the children of Western leaders.

The children of our politicians act like the world owes them a living!

The organisations which are run by politicians’ children may think they are at an advantage to have ready access to the politician.

Their father’s position at the top of the greasy political ladder is seen by private companies or institutions as a good investment.

It is an extension of the “You help me (my child), I help you” Umno-Baru culture, which the convicted felon Najib Abdul Razak first propagated in Sibu.

There are companies which invest in access to confidential information, and maybe a chance to influence a particular government policy in the company’s favour.

One downside of engaging the boss’ daughter is that few will dare to challenge her and that cannot be good for any company or institution, especially when one wants truthful views or unbiased opinions.

The Madani administration lacks principles and integrity, and should be ashamed for promoting nepotism.

So, whose daughter is next?

Sources: 

1. Malaysiakini: Najib’s daughter appointed to Matrade board
2. Malaysiakini: Nurul Izzah chairs new think-tank Polity
3. Malaysiakini: Zahid’s daughter appointed to UPM board, Fahmi Reza gets creative

(Mariam Mokhtar is a Freelance Writer.)