Idris Warned Malaysia Might Bankrupt

Posted by Khoo Kay Peng

A political commentator wrote an emotionally charged article to defend the integrity, passion and honesty of a "non-political cabinet appointee", Idris Jala, for his stand on the on the necessity for limiting the significance and influence of recommendation issued by ministers and members of parliament.

Earlier, Idris had warned that Malaysia might become a bankrupt nation if it does not review its national expenses.

I applaud Idris for his honesty and professionalism in performing his duty as the CEO of Pemandu and KPI minister. Anything less would have rendered him useless and a waste of public fund.

It is important to note that since Idris was no politician, he is "employed" as a civil servant who holds a cabinet minister position to assist the PM to implement and manage his list of initiatives. Idris is paid the perks and salary of a full minister which is not menial. As a professional, Idris knows fully well that he has to perform or risks being replaced by someone else.

His appointment is already a major disappointment and it speaks volume of the calibre and quality we can find in the batch of parliamentarians in the ruling coalition. PM Najib should revamp his team and bring in those who are good and knowledgeable to stand as parliamentary candidates. Not those who are good at playing racial politics, corrupt or seeking extramarital gratification.

It is okay to defend Idris' stand on the two issues e.g. recommendation letters and national financial position but we should be careful not to overdo it. Malaysians should not put our expectation bar too low for politicians and those serving in various offices. They are accountable to us and they should perform no less than what has being done by Idris.

Since when has Idris guitar playing prowess become a public admiration too? We admire his grit and tenacity especially his rag-to-riches story. But Idris must still deliver what he was brought in to do. There is not need to idolize Idris for trying to do his job. On the recommendation letters, he must now clean up the mess in PKFZ and bring the culprits who issued the recommendation letters to book.

It is heartening to know that Idris has a stand and a noble one too. But he should have the bite which matches his bark.

Can Idris Jala deliver us a better and more accountable government?

The mess is piling up and someone must clean it up sooner or else Idris' statement on bankruptcy will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Idris should know his own strength and ability to make changes within Najib's administration. He should not stick around for too long if his talk cannot match his walk. Otherwise, he is not just a waste of public fund but he would also be seen as a PR tool of the regime for just saying the right thing but do nothing.