'Poor judgment' to criticise new cabinet, Amanah leader tells off party junior

Amanah Youth committee member Ahmad Azri Abdullah’s criticism of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent cabinet appointments reflects poor judgment on several counts, said Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad.

The party’s international bureau chairperson said Azri’s suggestion that former religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa be appointed as a deputy religious minister showed ignorance of Mujahid’s experience and stature.

Raja Bahrin (above) pointed out that Mujahid, Amanah’s deputy president, was previously a minister with an “excellent record” in resolving Tabung Haji’s problems during Pakatan Harapan's first stint in power.

“(Hence) it is highly disrespectful to Amanah and Harapan for Azri to suggest a lesser appointment in the light of Mujahid’s prominence in the local religious circles and internationally, especially as the leading figure and chairperson of Nunji,” he said in a statement today, referring to Islamic NGO Nadwah Ulama Nahdhah Jadidah.

The proposal also demonstrated a “lack of respect and decorum”, especially when Azri proposed Amanah Youth chief Hasbie Muda as an “equally eligible” alternative, Raja Bahrin added.

Ignorance of party protocols

The veteran politician also criticised Azri for accusing Anwar of “slapping Amanah in the face” with the premier’s choice of the religious minister.

Raja Bahrin said this showed ignorance of internal inter-party protocol, noting that, procedurally, the prime minister would rely on a party’s own list of nominated ministerial candidates.

“Acknowledging Mujahid as the most suitable candidate with the right religious credentials and relevant experience, Azri should first check if Amanah had in fact included Mujahid’s nomination before accusing Anwar of ‘skipping’ an Amanah candidate,” he said.

Raja Bahrin added that Azri should verify the matter with Amanah’s leadership, as questions had been raised over why Mujahid, as deputy president and the party’s most prominent religious figure, had been overlooked while less senior members were appointed ministers or deputy ministers.

“To be fair to the prime minister, Azri should first check with his own party hierarchy if Mujahid’s name was ever on Amanah’s list for the earlier and recent cabinet appointments before accusing Anwar of ‘skipping’ Amanah,” he said.

The new cabinet line-up retained Amanah president Mohamad Sabu as agriculture and food security minister, vice-president Dzulkefly Ahmad as health minister, vice-president Adly Zahari as defence minister, and Amanah Women’s chief Aiman Athirah Sabu as deputy housing and local government minister.

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