Politik dan kepakaran perlu bergerak seiring, kata pemimpin muda

Two young Malaysian political leaders, Noor Amelia Zainabila Zaiffri and Shamellya Norazizi, argue that technocratic experts must work hand in hand with political considerations and real-world understanding. In an interview on the show Kena Soal, hosted by Iman Irfan Yahya, the two political leaders emphasized the need to combine the skills of politicians and technocrats in order to strengthen the foundation for the people.

Amir Hamzah Azizan, the only female member of the PKR Youth Council, was cited as an example of a technocrat who excelled at ministerial level before joining the cabinet. Hamzah, who has 27 years' experience in the corporate sector, led the Employees Provident Fund (KWSP) conglomerate before joining the government. Noor Amelia emphasized the importance of utilizing experts from both political and technocratic perspectives to continue doing good for the people.

She explained that while politicians understand the people on the ground and public sentiment, technocrats are more professional, structured, and data-driven. Noor Amelia shared that her experience in politics before moving to the corporate sector gave her insight into the different skill sets brought by politicians and technocrats in public administration.

The 12th episode of Kena Soal, part of the Future Speaks initiative, featured the second guest, an Umno Puteri member, Shamellya Norazizi, who noted that politicians determine the direction of the political agenda, while technocrats ensure that the foundation is built technically. However, Shamellya stressed that technocrats entering politics or the government must understand that politics has its own art, including communication skills, working within party structures, understanding the hopes and aspirations of the people, and adapting to the realities of politics. She concluded that when a technocrat can adapt to politics, it results in a very good combination.