We do not need a Chinese DPM, just a good DPM

I do not agree with the call by MCA’s Deputy Secretary General that a second Deputy Prime Minister’s position be created for a Chinese. Dato Loke seems to be out of touch with current political trend favouring meritocracy and not race.

What we need is a ‘Prime Minister for all’ in the true sense and this goes with DPM1 or DPM2, if and when created. It should not be created to fill racial quota as entitlement based on power sharing purposes, but on necessity and merit. There is no use in having positions for namesake where there is no real power.

The following excerpts from a letter to Malaysiakini have some points relevant to my comment, especially those relating to selection of ministers:

Najib, don't be the shortest term PM
Sarajun Hoda Abdul Hassan Apr 6, 09 4:32pm

Yes, you said being the prime minister is a huge responsibility the people have given you. Actually, no. The people did not appoint you as a prime minister. You took it upon yourself. So the people do not owe you anything.

And please appoint ministers by meritocracy and not by names submitted by the coalition parties. Heading a political party and heading a ministry is quite a different cup of tea altogether. Some leaders who come up in the party by money politics will expect to be appointed ministers in order to do some ‘recovery’. When the takers stop, the giving will stop too.

Malaysians are now far more intelligent than you imagine. You don’t know that because you are surrounded by people that only ampu you. So you do not know the truth. People won’t buy the same lame excuses that ‘the names submitted by the coalition party heads are the best in ‘quality’ for a ministerial appointment.’

You would be wiser if you ask these parties to submit a list of names with the candidates bio-data and professional achievements. Then you decide who would be best by meritocracy to be appointed ministers. You don’t want to be shamed when a minister is unable to show results to the citizens and you keep sinking in the polls.

You don’t want ministers that can’t even speak proper Bahasa Malaysia when answering in Parliament, would you? You don’t want ministers that cannot understand what it means to bring meaningful changes for the betterment of the country. You don’t want a minister who surrenders halfway saying he just can’t solve the taxi men’s recalcitrancy, would you?

I am sorry. But if Mohd Khir Toyo’s traveling and spending revelations are any indication, a much lesser number of ministers will mean saving government expenditure by the billions. Imagine, there are still many pockets of people living without a roof over their heads, without water and electricity.

Do not appoint members of Umno Youth to a ministerial post. It is a big NO. It takes time and training before they can become a minister. You took a long time and the long route. So you are the best trained to be a prime minister. You could possibly even become the best prime minister this country will ever have.

But first, you will have to listen to the people. The changes you have been talking about and the ‘One Malaysia’ thing is good thing if done honestly and sincerely. But you will have to ask some of your big-mouthed ministers to watch their mouths and start listening to the people.