Jurists and politicians split over the appointment of Mohamed Ibrahim Suleiman, former Minister of Housing, as Chairman of the Offshore Oil Services under a decision from Ahmed Nazif, the Prime Minister. A group of politicians launched a campaign under the name "No for complimenting Suleiman" in which they protested against Nazif's decision, describing it as a "dubious compliment at the expense of the Egyptian people." Some politicians and MPs said this decision contravenes Articles 133 and 135 of the Parliament's regulation, which stipulate that an MP should not occupy any government posts. On the other hand, other jurists said the decision was legal because the Offshore Oil Services is a joint stock company in which the government has a share.
George Ishaq, one of the campaign organizers, said: "The appointment of the former Minister of Housing has serious implications, especially as Suleiman is questionable. Therefore, the government should take into account people's negative feelings towards him." Ishaq described Suleiman appointment as "absurd." "He should have been tried on charges of squandering Egypt's wealth, instead of being appointed in post having nothing to do with his qualifications," Ishaq added.
MP Gamal Zahran attacked the government, saying: "This decision is illegal and provocative. It runs contrary to Article 95 of the Constitution and articles 133 and 135 of the Parliament's regulation, which stipulate that an MP should not occupy a government post." Such a decision was made because members of the network of corruption, relations and courtesies cover up each other.
For his part, Negad Boraei, a legal expert, said there are no articles in the Parliament's regulation banning the appointment of Suleiman. The regulation's articles apply only to the government jobs, but the Offshore Oil Services is a joint stock company in which the government has a controlling interest allowing it to manage the company. The civil society organizations may take an action preventing the appointment of Suleiman, Boraei said, adding that everyone should take an action to prevent the implementation of the decision, because there are many question marks over the former official's reputation. These question marks should be categorically denied or proved before appointing Suleiman.
