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

Kuala Lumpur