Saturday June 28, 2008 MYT 6:28:46 PM

Anwar's brother quits job after Ezam barb

By WANI MUTHIAH

SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s younger brother Rusli has resigned as special advisor to Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd president Datuk Abdul Karim Munisar.

Rusli said he resigned on June 25 due to “baseless allegations” made by former PKR stalwart Ezam Mohd Nor which was reported in a Malay daily recently.

According to the news report, Ezam allaged that Rusli, 59, was appointed as KDEB adviser because of his blood ties with Anwar.

The daily also reported Ezam as saying:

“Anwar had always said there shouldn’t be any nepotism in politics but now he himself has practiced it by appointing his brother to the position.”

Ezam had also demanded an explanation on the appointment from KDEB, the Selangor government’s special-purpose agency to undertake investments.

An irate Rusli lambasted Ezam for making baseless allegations and said he was not appointed KDEB’s advisor as alleged by Ezam.

“I was appointed as special advisor to Datuk Karim based on my corporate experience and not because I am Anwar’s brother,” said Rusli.

Rusli said he was a former director of several companies including Sapura Group of companies.

He added that Abdul Karim, who was an old friend, had called him and offered him the non-executive position that he assumed in April this year.

“Both Anwar and Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim were not aware of the appointment,” said Rusli.

Rusli added that he had consulted Anwar on the matter several days ago and decided the best move would be for him to resign from the position to protect his brother’s reputation.