JOHOR BARU, May 24 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that political appointments made by a government to qualified individuals should be allowed, as they do not constitute an abuse of power.

He said such appointments are a "reward" that individuals deserve for their service and contributions to the success of the political party that eventually forms the government.

Anwar said this in his capacity as PKR president during his winding-up address at the PKR national congress held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here today.

He added that many had voluntarily sacrificed their careers and finances to support the party's cause.

"There are academic lecturers, there are specialist doctors who lost their jobs,...