Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said the power to appoint individuals to lead specific committees is the prerogative of the prime minister.
“Syed Hussin has expressed support for Anwar Ibrahim. No one should feel disheartened, especially those from parties supporting the unity government. In fact, Umno itself welcomed the Cabinet reshuffle by Anwar, which involved its (Umno’s) ministers.
“It would be good if the prime minister invites other opposition MPs to sit on this committee or other committees. Are they willing to accept it for the good of the people?” he said to FMT.
Yesterday, Anwar announced that Syed Hussin was appointed to lead the committee to tackle food prices and the cost of living, which is under the National Action Council on the Cost of Living (Naccol).
Syed Hussin previously served as chairman of the fisheries development authority of Malaysia (LKIM).
He is one of six Bersatu MPs who have declared their support for Anwar and the unity government in recent months.
Meanwhile, PKR central leadership council member Yahya Mat Sahri said having an elected representative from the opposition leading the committee did not mean that government MPs could not contribute ideas.
“Moreover, the appointment of Syed Hussin was certainly made after considering various aspects, including his extensive experience in the corporate sector and that his company is listed on the stock exchange.
“I also do not see this appointment as a reward (for supporting the PM),” he added.
Another PKR leader, Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, said that the decision to appoint the Bersatu man to lead a specific committee is not unusual, as he himself was appointed chairman of the workers’ caucus when Barisan Nasional (BN) was in power.
“I was from the opposition, but I was appointed chairman of the workers’ caucus when BN was in government. Whether a person is from the government or the opposition, if they have experience and expertise for the benefit of the people, what’s the problem?” the former Kapar MP said.
“Anwar’s appointment of an opposition representative is wise, just as Indonesian President Joko Widodo appointed Prabowo (Subianto) as a minister, even though Prabowo was a political rival competing for the presidency. It is to ensure unity in governing the country.”
Umno Veterans’ Club secretary Mustapha Yaakub said the appointment of Syed Hussin could cool the political temperature in the country and allow Anwar to focus efforts on reviving the Malaysian economy.