The Covid-19 crisis that engulfs us today has brought us to expect decision-making that is firm, timely, and based on evidence. The actions that governments choose to take or not to take in this crisis will impact our immediate-, medium- and long-term futures. In preparing for a response, experts all around the world have emerged at the forefront of government in being the face of the crisis.
Technocrats are largely seen to have a sole motivation to solve a public crisis. They come to assume their influence as interim power is delegated to them to help steer their countries into a recovery. This was the case of Italy over a decade ago when the technocratic government led by former European commissioner Mario Monti lead the country during the European sovereign debt crisis. Professors occupied more than a third of the seats in his 17-strong cabinet. Following the resolution of the crisis, a general election was called. A new democratically elected government resumed rule. Malaysia may not be at the point of such an unprecedented move. However, the value of involving more experts to help the country solve this health crisis is something we truly need in this worsening situation.
