“That is my concern and focus. I am quite happy. I just congratulated Education Minister Maszlee Malik (on his appointment).

“We will wait for the announcement,” she said in Komtar today after paying a courtesy call on newly-sworn-in Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Also present was Deputy Chief Minister I Ahmad Zakiyuddin Ahmad Rahman.

Nurul’s response came on the back of comments by her father and PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, who said his daughter did not want a Cabinet position, even though she holds one of the top positions in Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Anwar, in an Al Jazeera 101 East programme three days ago, had said this when asked whether the family would be seen to be building a political dynasty if Nurul Izzah was appointed to the Cabinet along with his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is deputy prime minister.

Anwar was reported by New Straits Times Online as saying that Nurul’s decision was made on her own and the party leadership had been made aware of the decision.

Speaking further on the matter, Nurul said all stakeholders had a role to play, not just ministers.

“Ministers alone do not dictate the future of this country. That is a very important message that should be replicated across societies.

“I didn’t realise people were so concerned (about whether I would be in the Cabinet), and were so vocal in terms of asking me to be part of the Cabinet. That is one of the more gratifying moments in my life.

“I appreciate that is what being a public servant means, about people wanting you to do something.

“It is not about you trying to claim you deserve anything from them.”

The PKR vice-president said what was important now was to allow the Cabinet to continue its work.

“We must make sure we don’t just fulfil our pledges, but to plug the loopholes, whether it is malnutrition among young children, or inequality in educational standards.

“These have to be our priorities,” she added.