Why analysts say a technocrat is key for Malaysia's Economy Ministry

Experts push for expert leadership in Economy Ministry
Pix for illustration purpose only. - FILE PIX
SHAH ALAM – Appointing a respected technocrat as Malaysia's next Economy Minister could provide the government with a strategic buffer, depoliticising the ministry ahead of the next general election, political analysts say.
Speaking to Sinar Daily, O2 Research Head Anis Anwar said the Economy Ministry needs someone who can communicate complex reforms clearly and maintain continuity with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). Media-savvy communication skills are crucial, as the public needs clear explanations of complex reforms to restore trust after Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's high-profile departure. - Bernama file photo
"Markets and the public alike expect steady leadership on subsidy rationalisation, EPF reform and labour-market modernisation," he said.
He stated that the candidate should be media-savvy and possess strong communication skills.
"Media-savvy communication skills are crucial, as the public needs clear explanations of complex reforms to restore trust after Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's high-profile departure," he said.
When asked about potential candidates for Economy Minister, Anis identified three technocrats: former Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus; former economist at Khazanah Research and Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhi and a global expert on inequality and progressive taxation, Prof Jomo Kwame Sundaram.
He said that each of these candidates minimises intra-party and coalition friction while reassuring voters and investors that RMK13 reforms will proceed.
"Selecting any one of these three technocrats would protect the government from fresh partisan sniping, reassure investors and citizens that RMK13 will not be abandoned and demonstrate that expertise rather than internal factional advantage is the decisive criterion in the final months of the term.
"A technocrat buffer now would also allow ruling parties to focus on campaigning for 16th General Election, rather than fending off accusations of dynastic politics or intra-party feuds," he said.
Political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) agreed that Malaysia has 'a limited pool of MPs' suited to lead such a critical ministry.
"The public wants the best, but to be honest, we have a limited pool of MPs among PKR and Umno, which makes it difficult," she said.

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