Although the state has appointed seven Coptic individuals to the People's Assembly, Coptic websites have rushed to denounce the choices made, particularly where Jamāl As‘ad is concerned.

However, some justify the choices. Secular Coptic thinker Kamāl Zākhir sees that the prevailing characteristic of those appointed is that they are legalists and have political experience.

Others differ, including Dr. ‘Imād Jād of Al-Ahram's Center for Political and Strategic Studies, who says that the choice was made on the basis that those selected would do what was required of them, are approved of by security, and are not known for independent positions.

He adds, "I don't think the church was consulted over these appointments. If it had been, neither Jamāl As‘ad nor Iskandar Ghatas would have been selected."