'We're not related' - Fahmi says of new MDEC CEO

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has clarified that he is not related to newly appointed Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chief executive officer (CEO) Anuar Fariz Fadzil. 

According to a report by Bernama, Fahmi also stressed that he was not involved in Anuar’s appointment, pointing out that MDEC was under the Digital Ministry helmed by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, not the Communications Ministry. 

“Anuar has nothing to do with me, only that his name is similar. He’s not my cousin, and there is no relation at all. I have nothing to do with his appointment. 

“Those who are trying to slander, I hope they are aware, don’t slander too easily and let this be a lesson to us all to always be cautious about information,” he told reporters after attending a Penang Madani Community gathering in Kampung Batu Uban, Gelugor last night.

He added that his siblings, one of whom works in a chemical manufacturing company and the other a musician, have never received assistance or allocations from any agency under the Communications Ministry since he took over as minister.

He was rebutting claims made by former Umno supreme council member Isham Jalil, who tried to connect him to Anuar’s appointment as MDEC CEO by alleging that they were related. 

Formerly TikTok Malaysia’s head of public policy, Anuar was appointed as MDEC’s new CEO on Thursday, replacing Mahadhir Aziz, whose term ended on Aug 31. 

Fahmi also said that his ministry has yet to decide on the appointment of the new Community Communications Department director and that it was an ongoing process.

Fahmi wants media companies to immediately settle owed salaries

GISBH memes show M'sians' creativity - Fahmi

Nothing unusual about J-Kom DG's dismissal: Fahmi

Madani govt committed to expanding 5G coverage - Fahmi

PN's rejection of draft MOU not necessarily end of talks, says Fahmi

No more DNS redirection, Fahmi assures after public backlash