KUALA LUMPUR – The recent appointment of corporate figure Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan as finance minister II has received plaudits from political observers, who believe his non-affiliation with any political party is a strategic advantage in handling sensitive financial matters.
While former finance minister II, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, was initially tipped to stage a comeback to the role, the observers emphasised that the Titiwangsa MP’s appointment as plantation and commodities minister is still a crucial responsibility.
Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, noted that the financial credentials of both Amir and Johari are comparable.
However, Amir’s lack of political affiliation is seen as a distinguishing factor, making him an “obvious” choice for the sensitive ministry.
Azmi acknowledged Johari’s capabilities but highlighted the challenges he might face in the commodities ministry, particularly regarding palm oil, which is currently under scrutiny from the European Union.
“In this sense, we need someone like Datuk Seri Johari who is articulate and who has the foresight to address the sanctions,” Azmi told Scoop.
Meanwhile, on the latest appointment in the Finance Ministry, Azmi expressed confidence in Amir’s ability to address these issues and suggested that the senator might focus more on the treasury while allowing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to handle broader governance matters.
“Maybe we will also see more of the second finance minister (Amir) speaking on fiscal policies compared to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as the prime minister should handle governance in a holistic manner, especially in terms of the economy and geopolitical issues.”
Azmi suggested that DAP’s Tanjong MP, Lim Hui Ying, should have remained in the Education Ministry because compared to the Finance Ministry, DAP’s position is more “sensitive” there.
This came despite some online pushback over Lim’s appointment, an unpopular move among netizens who have linked it to her brother Lim Guan Eng’s previous appointment as finance minister.
However, Azmi said Lim would remain a relatively “low-profile” individual in the Finance Ministry as Anwar and Amir were still helming the portfolio.
Yesterday, Anwar justified the appointment of Employees Provident Fund chief executive Amir, citing his track record of professionalism and successful management of the retirement fund.
Amir, 56, joined EPF in March 2021, leading the fund to achieve a record 5.35% dividend last year. Anwar stressed the importance of a strong professional team in the ministry and expressed confidence in Amir’s competence and ability to navigate economic challenges without succumbing to political pressures.
Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia viewed the ministry’s appointments as a means to project professionalism and stability, aiming to boost public and investor confidence.
“It’s a concession to DAP who might feel sidelined this past year. DAP has the second largest number of seats but is not as prominent in the cabinet, which makes its members unhappy. This is one way to remedy that.”
He suggested that the appointments may address DAP’s concerns about being sidelined in the cabinet.
Oh Ei Sun, of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, regards Amir as a technocratic choice, contrasting him with Johari’s entrepreneurial flair.
He noted the public’s willingness to give Amir a chance and expressed confidence in his ability to manage financial matters effectively.
Oh also suggested that the appointment of Johari, as well as the transfer of Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan from the defence portfolio to Wisma Putra, came as a result of politicking within Umno.
“If Ms Lim’s performance in the Education Ministry was any indicator, it does not appear that she would be someone who would raise a lot of eyebrows,” Oh said of the DAP politician’s move to the Finance Ministry.
“Johari is certainly disgruntled (over his appointment), but not necessarily with the Umno mainstream as Zahid may not like to see a potential challenger in powerful positions. Mohamad Hasan, for example, was relegated to the Foreign Ministry.”
The new cabinet line-up comprises a total of 31 ministers and 29 deputies, reflecting a concerted effort to project professionalism and address concerns within the political landscape. The adjustments aim to strike a balance and boost confidence in the government’s ability to manage the country’s finances effectively. – December 13, 2023