MDF or plasterboard for built-in room divider?

I'm in the process of building a built-in cupboard that is also a room divider. The front will have sliding shojo screen doors and one end is against the existing wall. No worries there.
I built it in four sections out of 12 mm ply with 7 mm ply backs. To make it more attractive I would like to have the visible end and back painted to resemble wall-texture.
As plasterboard is messy to use indoors and requires sanding of the joints etc. I would prefer to finish the back and end in painted mdf.
Is there any reason this might not be wise?
Any other hints gratefully received.
cheers

Accent

MDF doesn't, in my view, look like plasterboard when its painted. It will look like painted MDF.

My theory is to do it once and do it right. Spend the extra few mins getting the plasterboard done right and you won't regret it.

Also, remember what MDF is made out of. I am now doing my best not to have any MDF in side my house - its effects on indoor air quality are meant to be quite substantial and I figure I could do without that in my house.

How big are the cupboards? You would need some kind of joint on the mdf too, and that would be much harder to get seamless than, say, plasterboard.

just my 5c worth

Trav

Thanks for your 5c worth Trev, but a tad too late. I've gone the mdf route and so far so good. You are correct re the joints. They are certainly trickier. I'm framing the corners and putting in a skirting board with the NSW Rosewood the doors and front of the wardrobe are made from. This may extend to a bead over the one join between two sheets of mdf.
I also take on board your comments re air quality. Luckily our upstairs room is pretty well ventilated and we leave the skylight open virtually all year round. Hopefully the paint will seal in the worst of the toxic material.
cheers
Michael