Buck up and tell Malaysia’s success stories, Mr Ministers
PUCHONG: Cabinet ministers especially those in charge of economy, finance and trade have been urged to buck up in telling the success stories of Malaysia instead of relying on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“It’s unreasonable to leave everything to the Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Ministers in charge of the economy, finance and trade in particular must be both “jaguh kampong” (village champions) and “jaguh dunia” (global champions),” said Kadir Jasin on his blog.
Kadir is the prime minister’s media advisor. The ministers in charge of the portfolios are the Economic Affairs Minister is Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, International Trade and Industry Minister Darrell Leiking.
“If they have been doing this, please quicken the tempo and if they haven’t yet, please start,” Kadir added.
He further pointed out that foreign investors have observed some ministers’ lack of communication.
“I strongly recommend that ministers be more visible, brave and be willing to participate in investment briefings and conferences at the global level.”
“I am annoyed by the reluctance of some key ministers to engage with local and international businessmen, investors and fund managers.”
“I think after a year, they should have gathered sufficient knowledge, experience and courage to be able to engage with the key stakeholders at home and abroad, and leave the day-to-day running of the ministries of the civil servants.”
Kadir who is a veteran newsman also addressed two concerns of foreign investors: prime minister transition from Dr Mahathir to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the race and religious card played up by opposition parties, Umno and PAS.
“As for fears that there would be U-turns in policies when the new Prime Minister comes in, I assured them that it is unlikely because Anwar himself is actively involved in putting them in place in his capacity as a member of the PH Presidential Council and through his regular consultations with the PM.
“Also, having been a witness to Dr Mahathir-Anwar political collaboration and confrontation since 1982 – when Anwar joined Umno – I don’t think the Prime Minister-in-waiting would repeat the miscalculations of the past.
On the issue of Umno and PAS, Kadir said the two parties would continue doing so as both are weak.
“As for concerns about Umno and Pas playing the racial and religious cards, I said they would continue with it because they are weak in other areas. Both parties are tainted by corruption and secret political funding.
“I told them that race, ethnicity, religion and geography will continue to be important in Malaysian politics. We will continue to embrace and celebrate our diversity.”
