The communications and multimedia minister told the Dewan Rakyat that while his ministry welcomed her appointment, it was the finance ministry that made the decision.

“She is young and highly educated, with degrees from Harvard University and Imperial College Business School,” he said.

Annuar also admitted that Izzana was implicated in matters involving her family.

“But we need to be fair. If we as parents are facing problems, we do not want our children to be harassed. She has her merits,” he said in response to a question from Kasthuri Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) and Tan Yee Kew (PH-Wangsa Maju) on Izzana’s appointment.

In further justifying her appointment, Annuar said she should be given the opportunity as she could also be a voice for the young in MDEC.

Kasthuri, however, interjected stating that Izzana already held positions in TalentCorp and the Social Security Organisation (Socso), hence, she may not be able to carry out her responsibilities at MDEC.

“There are a lot of graduates, not only from Harvard, but also local universities who are equally qualified or more qualified,” she said, urging Annuar to propose to the finance ministry to appoint another person.

But Annuar said this was a non-executive role and she was not involved in the day-to-day operations.

“That is why some hold several directorships, but it is not a problem.”

Izzana’s appointment was also objected to by lawyers and activists, stating there could be a possible breach of ethics.

She had been named as a defendant in a government suit to recover RM253.6 million owned by the National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd (NFC).

Her father, Mohamad Salleh Ismail, and her two siblings were also sued by the government in the recovery suits.

Hearing of the case is expected to resume in January.