Remember “Binti Ahmad Zahid”? She’s Now A UPM Board Member

Source: The Rakyat Post
Nurulhidayah’s appointment, despite being an alumna, is not sitting well with many.
Nurulhidayah Back in the Spotlight
Datuk Nurulhidayah Abdul Zahid, daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has been appointed to the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Board of Directors. However, her new role is stirring controversy online.
According to her appointment letter dated 2 January 2025, signed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, the decision was made to include individuals with knowledge and experience to lead UPM towards greater academic and organisational success. Her term will last three years, from 2 January 2025 to 1 January 2028.
Public Outrage Over Alleged Cronyism
News of Nurulhidayah’s appointment has sparked a backlash on social media.
One X (formerly Twitter) user, CatsForPalestin (@KlutzyKucing), criticised the move:
“Must all children of UMNO’s top leaders be given positions? We just dealt with Najib’s daughter’s appointment, and now Zahid’s daughter is heading to UPM. Aren’t there more deserving candidates?”
Others accused the government of favouritism, with many pointing out her previous controversies.
Netizens also reacted to her Instagram Story, where she wrote:
“Sireh pulang ke gagang. Berilmu berbakti. Alma Mater. Bismillah.”
This phrase, seen as a celebratory nod to her alma mater, further fueled criticisms of privilege and entitlement.
A Familiar Pattern?
Nurulhidayah is no stranger to controversy. In 2021, her appointment to the SME Corporation’s board also drew accusations of nepotism.
Even earlier, in 2020, she faced backlash for posting “binti Ahmad Zahid” on her Instagram Stories—a move perceived by many as flaunting her family ties. She later clarified that the post was directed at people who repeatedly referred to her only as “Zahid’s daughter.”
Her Background and Achievements
Nurulhidayah is a 2002 UPM alumna, holding a Master’s Degree in Communications. She’s also an executive committee member of Wanita UMNO Malaysia and co-founder of Teedo Hotel, a boutique hotel in Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.
She’s married to Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff, Non-Executive Chairman at Jiankun International Berhad, and is a mother to one daughter.
Social Media Reacts
“It’s not about her being qualified or not. It’s about optics and fairness in public appointments. Cronyism damages public trust,” commented a user on X.
Others suggested that such appointments discourage young Malaysians from believing in a merit-based system, calling for reforms in public institutions to ensure transparency.
As criticisms grow, the debate continues: Was Nurulhidayah’s appointment genuinely about merit, or does it reflect deeper systemic issues in Malaysia’s leadership culture?