Place competent people in top
jobs
I REFER to the 1962 water agreement between Malaysia and Singapore which
was recently highlighted by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
I am not saying that the agreement between Malaysia and Singapore is fair.
An agreement signed so long ago and with such a long “validity” period
certainly can’t be fair on hindsight.
Perhaps there were provisions in the agreement allowing for periodic
reviews, which unfortunately we did not exercise. As an ordinary citizen, I
have no way of knowing the details. That is why I have always advocated for
smarter and more responsible people to helm our public service, both as
ministers and in the civil service.
I think if we want to blame anyone for our predicament, we should start
with our own people first. Do we have the right people doing the job? If there
are other treatises, agreements and communiqué that need monitoring or
following up, who is doing the job?
Singapore depends on our raw water out of necessity and geography. Even so,
I believe the republic has taken giant steps to be self-sufficient at least way
before 2061 when the agreement expires. But why is Malaysia still dependent on
Singapore for treated water after more than six decades of self rule?
We accuse Singapore of exploiting us based on an old water agreement. But
Singapore too could claim that it is selling us treated water at a subsidised
price. Unless we are self-sufficient in treated water, we have no way of
knowing how much Singapore is subsidising us.
It is good that Dr Mahathir brought up the water agreement, which seems to
short-change us. But I think it would be very difficult to renegotiate this
issue on a “stand-alone” basis especially when the opportunity to review it
between 1986 and 1987 has long passed.
I think Malaysia’s problem in dealing with strategic issues, both foreign
and domestic, is twofold – corruption and incompetence.
Corruption sells out public and national interests; incompetence
compromises the same. Corruption and incompetence are a toxic combination that
will sink this country if we are not vigilant.
Dr Mahathir is just one person. No matter how capable he is, he can’t do
everything so he must appoint capable people to be in charge of strategic
areas.
T. K.
CHUA
.
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