Perpaduan Melayu tak bermakna jika tadbir urus gagal, kata penganalisis

Analysts contend that unity among Malaysians holds no value if administrative affairs fail, according to one expert. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting emphasized that the welfare of the Malay community ultimately hinges on professional management of public institutions, not mere political dominance. He pointed out that financial issues intertwine with the three entities TH, LTAT, and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and have largely been ignored during recent PRN Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections.

Zaharuddin highlighted that each of these institutions was entrusted to Malay individuals, but their current state of weakness stems from poor decisions and accumulated failures over decades. The TH case, in particular, led to the takeover of the underperforming TH assets by Urusharta Jamaah Bhd (UJSB) for a price of RM19.9 billion, resulting in an effective recovery of RM10.2 billion for TH.

The government further injected RM17.8 billion to cover the anticipated shortfall in UJSB's sukuk obligations, effectively shifting part of the financial burden from TH to taxpayers. The expert also noted that LTAT's financial predicament was exacerbated by Boustead Holdings Bhd's investment arm, posing a risk to the welfare of military personnel.

Similarly, the 1MDB situation saw the government paying RM42.5 billion in principal and interest, with RM8.9 billion still unpaid. Zaharuddin concluded that the failure of these institutions ultimately falls on the shoulders of the public. He argued that the money spent to save public funds or pay off debts incurred due to management failures could otherwise be directed towards healthcare, education, and food security.

In essence, he stressed that effective governance is not just about managing finances, but it directly impacts the daily lives of the people. As the upcoming election approaches, Zaharuddin called for leadership to be judged by the extent to which public institutions are managed professionally, with issues addressed before they escalate, and those responsible held accountable.