EPF CEO Amir Hamzah sworn in as Senator, fueling speculation about Finance Minister appointment

Focus

By ASHWIN KUMAR

12 Dec 2023 11:08am

Amir Hamzah (right) dan Zulkifli. - FILE PIX

SHAH ALAM - Rumours circulating in recent months that Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan would be appointed Finance Minister II appear to be holding true.

Today, Amir was sworn in as a Senator at the Dewan Negara, further fueling speculation about his potential role in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's anticipated Cabinet reshuffle.

Amir took his oath of office before Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar this morning.

Wan Junaidi also announced that Amir and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia lecturer associate professor Zulkifli Hasan, who is a former dean of the Syariah and Law faculty were the two senators who took the swearing-in oath today.

Sources close to the matter have revealed that Amir may be appointed Finance Minister II in the upcoming reshuffle, which is expected to be announced later today.

Preparation and experience

These sources also confirmed that Amir has been preparing for a possible move to the Ministry of Finance for several months, even hinting at his potential departure to his staff at EPF.

He joined the EPF in 2021 and is the eldest son of the esteemed former Petronas chairman and president, Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin.

Amir's extensive experience in the financial sector makes him a strong candidate for the position of Finance Minister II.

He previously served as the former CEO of Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

Prior to his appointment to TNB, Amir had also served as CEO of MISC Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, and Khazanah Nasional’s hospitality arm, Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd, among others.

The role of chief strategy officer

Currently, Nurhisham Hussein holds the position of Chief Strategy Officer at EPF.

While his specific role in the context of Amir's potential appointment remains unknown, Nurhisham's extensive experience and leadership skills will undoubtedly prove invaluable to the organisation as EPF navigates this transition.