When things fall apart, blame mediocrity – not just ministers

 It is essential to reduce political influence in top appointments, often tied to political affiliation, race, and religion. Denying this reality reflects either ignorance or willful blindness.

Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan accurately pointed out recently that the breakdown of the baggage handling system at KLIA Terminal 1 raises serious concerns about the reliability and management of Malaysia’s transport infrastructure.

His observations reflect a broader pattern of recurring issues within the transport ministry, including recent service interruptions on the Kelana Jaya LRT and Putrajaya MRT lines.

He said these incidents indicate deeper systemic weaknesses that require a comprehensive approach. Many Malaysians would definitely agree.

However, the focus should also be on the competence of chief executives and managers within government agencies and departments, as they play a more crucial role in organisational success, rather than ministers or deputy ministers.

Problems at KLIA and the rail services have persisted for decades, affecting every government.

For instance, the infamous LRT crash in 2021 occurred while Perikatan Nasional was in power, when the transport minister was MCA’s Wee Ka Siong and Prasarana was chaired by Umno’s Tajuddin Abdul Rahman. Takiyuddin himself was law minister at that time.

Politics and positions

The recent motorcycle convoy protest by PAS supporters against transport minister Loke Siew Fook, whose only “sin” is his affiliation with DAP, will not resolve these systemic issues.

Although the Kelantan government denied involvement, a Facebook post by PAS assemblyman Wan Rohimi Wan Daud confirmed the party’s connection. In a video shared on social media, he boasted about evading police roadblocks, claiming he had Special Branch information. He is now under investigation over this statement.

To address the challenges faced by government agencies, it is essential to reduce political influence in administrative appointments. The selection of top officials is often tied to political affiliation, race, and religion. Denying this reality reflects either ignorance or willful blindness.

This politicisation undermines meritocracy. A source with the Public Service Department recently confided that civil servants with doctorates from top universities abroad are sometimes assigned to unrelated departments.

While I do not advocate absolute meritocracy, given the sensitivities involved, it is crucial to prioritise competence over sentiment in civil service appointments as much as possible.

Misguided promotions

The health ministry exemplifies the consequences of neglecting meritocracy, with an acute shortage of doctors and specialists threatening to strain the national health system. Many talented professionals have left government service, driven by better earning potential and frustration over promotions awarded to less competent individuals.

These issues have not arisen overnight; they stem from years of policy failures and misguided promotions. Recent calls from ministers for doctors to consider government service as a national duty are unlikely to succeed, especially as new generations enter the workforce with different priorities.

Stringent background checks and competency assessments should be mandatory for top positions, such as secretaries-general and CEOs of government-linked companies. While the unity government promised reforms, little has been implemented. It is difficult to envision a shift toward prioritising competence in a nation where race and religion often dominate political considerations.

Ultimately, taxpayers are left to endure the consequences of mediocre leadership in key institutions, while truly qualified Malaysians seek opportunities in the private sector or abroad. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.