Zahid's daughter appointed to UPM board, Fahmi Reza gets creative
Nurulhidayah, the daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has been appointed to the board of directors at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
According to an appointment letter allegedly signed by Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir, Nurulhidayah’s tenure will run from Jan 2, 2025, to Jan 1, 2028.
Summary
Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi’s daughter, Nurulhidayah, has been appointed to UPM’s board starting January 2025.
Nurulhidayah indicates her readiness to serve in a post on her social media.
Activist Fahmi Reza mocks the appointment with a satirical “resume”, highlighting alleged nepotism.
Nurulhidayah, the daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has been appointed to the board of directors at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
According to an appointment letter allegedly signed by Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir, Nurulhidayah’s tenure will run from Jan 2, 2025, to Jan 1, 2028.
The letter states that her appointment represents a “knowledgeable and experienced composition” in accordance with Subsection 18(1) of the UPM constitution.
After the letter went viral on social media, Nurulhidayah shared her graduation photo on Instagram, captioned: “Alma mater. UPM 1999–2002. Bismillah.”
In an Instagram Story, she added: “Sireh pulang ke gagang. Berimu berbakti. Alma mater. Bismillah.” which translates to “Returning to one’s roots. Ready to serve. Alma mater. In the name of God.”
‘Qualification: Zahid’s daughter’
The appointment has sparked criticism online, notably from controversial graphic artist/activist Fahmi Reza, who mocked the move with a satirical “resume” of Nurulhidayah.
The mock resume, shared on Fahmi’s social media, features Nurul’s name, photo, and the title “Anak Zahid Hamidi” (Zahid’s child) prominently.
Under the “About Me” section, he lists her primary credential as Zahid’s daughter.
Fahmi also humorously detailed her “work experience” as “daughter of the Umno president,” “daughter of the home minister,” and “daughter of the deputy prime minister,” corresponding to Zahid’s various roles since 2004.
For education and skills, the sole entry was “Anak Zahid Hamidi,” while the reference section cheekily suggested, “Please contact my father for reference.”
The satirical document also included social media icons labelled “Anak Zahid.”
Malaysiakini has contacted Zambry and UPM for comments and is awaiting their responses.
