Anwar said Nurul Izzah had a first degree in engineering and a second degree in public and social policy from Johns Hopkins University in the US, and was appointed to assist him in the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) and the finance ministry.

However, he said Nurul Izzah would not receive any allowances for her role.

“Even I don’t have a finance-related degree or certificate, but I was the finance minister for eight years (in the 1990s),” Anwar said.

“Even the ministers in the previous Perikatan Nasional government did not have the relevant degrees or certificates, but when it comes to us, they bring it up.

“So, is it true that a health minister must be a doctor? Or a water minister must be an engineer?

“As for Nurul Izzah, she has an engineering degree and a public policy degree. Indeed, I asked her to help me as an adviser at the PMD and the finance ministry.”

Anwar, who is also the Tambun MP, was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Tambun parliamentary service centre here today.

Nurul Izzah confirmed her appointment as senior economics and finance adviser to the prime minister today, saying she began serving from Jan 3.

Earlier, Anwar, in his opening speech, said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had been instructed to take action against parties involved in corruption, regardless of their party affiliation or position, including those working in the Prime Minister’s Office.

“No matter how rich the country is, it is impossible for us to raise its status and dignity, and defend the fate of the people (if there is corruption).

“That’s why I say the first thing is to restore good governance and rule of law.

“Starting from the top, from the prime minister to the ministers, menteris besar, state governments and people’s representatives … they have to stop this corrupt practice and culture,” he said.