When banker Datuk Amirsham Abdul Aziz was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in the second Abdullah Cabinet after the March 8 “political tsunami”, he was hailed as a professional and technocrat to oversee the Economic Planning Unit.
Amirsham himself pledged on his Cabinet appointment on 18th March 2008: “I will use my banking experience in the best interest of the country and exercise professionalism in every step I take.”
But what a letdown by Amirsham during question time in Parliament just now. Amirsham’s professionalism was completely absent. What is worse – he shamed himself publicly when he was exposed to be a Minister completely under the thumb of the “world’s richest unemployed”!
This happened when Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau MP) asked the Prime Minister a highly slanted question on the New Economic Policy. In a supplementary question, Khairy distorted the statement by the Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng on the eradication of NEP abuses of corruption, cronyism and economic inefficiency.
This was not surprising. What created a ruckus in the House was Amirsham’s response, reading from a prepared text to the supplementary question meant to be impromptu and extemporaneous.
It was not only a planted question but also a planted answer.
As I alleged in the House in the ruckus just now, it was clear to all that the “world’s richest unemployed” had not only asked the supplementary question, he had also prepared the answer to be read out by Amirsham!
Advice to Amirsham – Stay away from the MP for Rembau if you want to protect your professional and technocratic credentials as they will be the first casualties if there is another parliamentary scandal of the professional and technocrat Minister under the thumb of the “world’s richest unemployed”!
#1 by kingkenny on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 12:18 pm
PL, now you see, you can’t pass responsibility for the welfare of the Rakyat to an inexperienced young man (or GREENHORN “Cheng Tau Jai”)
They are too anxious and emotional, when YB Kit first posted here of how KJ want to challenge the Great Kit, I say to myself that this lad is looking for trouble and who does he think he is? Now even before Great Kit had unleashed his full power and with only a few Parliament meetings, they are self destructing!!
The Rakyat can now see the competency of Gomen directives and/or decisions made by these 2 Dad & Son-in-law team!
Bravo!
#2 by lchk on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 12:19 pm
Which goes to show why one should never trust any of these so-called technocrats or corporate leaders from the GLC world.
To be fair, a handful of them do possess a certain level of business savvy and qualifications.
However, they are ultimately beholden to their political masters i.e. UMNOputras regardless of their corporate achievevments or level of intelligence.
#3 by Bigjoe on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 12:27 pm
Brrrr!!! Shiver down my spine.. Such privilliged and supposedly cream of the crop AND they have to stage a show to pander to their core ultra constituencies.
Such effort of masking the truth and sheer arrogance that people can be fooled by such transparent attempt..
But the fact people like him are entrusted with so much power for the mediocrity that they are, should give us all sleepness nights..
#4 by oknyua on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 12:38 pm
Ichk, I don’t get your posting.
As my former boss I have respect for the man. The little I know, in Maybank, Amirsham had to resist frequent interference from the politicians but ultimately he prevailed because of the Amanah Raya’s stake in Maybank. Malaysia cannot afford to see Maybank flop. He deserved his post there, starting from as officer (Area Manager), all the way to be the CEO.
Whether he has to answer to Khairy now is giving too much credit to Khairy. I don’t think he submits to Khairy personally, unless Khairy uses Abdullah’s name. Again, the little I know he has the same independent streak as Ahmad Dom. I am not surprised that if he cannot function to his best, he might just leave. Thanks.
#5 by lchk on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 12:48 pm
oknyua,
Don’t get me wrong. I am sure Amirsham has pretty good credentials and a decent track record in the Malaysian banking industry.
But the “prepared” reply he gave in Parliament as highlighted by Kit does not augur well for those who wish for more objectivity and transparency in tackling national issues. In other words, he may have an independent streak but ultimately, he still has to answer to his political masters.
#6 by CheeseBall on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 1:08 pm
So…. is PR going to let these two get away with just a ‘warning’? I’ve lost count of the number of exposures and warnings given to BN over the years, with nothing being done to make anyone accountable. Its not even considered a slap-on-the-wrist.
PR. Make things happen and crucify the responsible parties for even having the audacity to ‘fix’ parliament so blatantly.
Put a stop to these type of corrupt practices once and for all, or it will continue to happen indefinitely.
#7 by voice on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 1:29 pm
Sorry for the off-topic, but what happen in Wisma DAP in Ipoh?
looks like DAP is the target of the terrorist!
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/15/nation/20080515131525&sec=nation
#8 by k1980 on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 1:50 pm
What do you expect from Amir the sham?
#9 by sheriff singh on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 1:50 pm
Is it his first time? Freshie? Not properly orientated? Did he …… in his pants?
#10 by sheriff singh on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 1:51 pm
Was there a FIL-SIL show as well?
#11 by ch on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:07 pm
Dear All,
While we are unable to comment impartially without the benefit of reading the text reply from Amirsham to Khairy’s question, it is unfortunate that the present Government continues to manipulate and play up the statement by Lim Guan Eng. I guess these are the complications of Malaysian politics.
Malaysia’s fuel subsidies have been reported to be in the region of RM43 billion a year which is three times the Treasury’s forecast revenue from personal income tax this year of RM13 billion and over 20% more than the corporate tax of RM34 billion. It is also almost half of our government’s estimated revenue of RM102 billion. These type of subsidies will continue to ballon over the years and one may wonder as to how the government going to comprehend the situation effectively.
Am sure if the above issue was brought up by Amirsham, accolades will be accorded to him. Above all, the subsidies and clutches mentality of the Malaysian government would have to be given up one day if we are to competitively compete in this globalized world. Such statement has been said many times over but the government is sorely lacking in action.
#12 by yhsiew on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:08 pm
It’s no wonder that Tun M asked the question, “Who is in control of the country, PL or Kh?”
#13 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:34 pm
Y. Bhg. Datik Amirsham Abdul Aziz is certainly one credible Banker, that many respected. Even Tan Sri Teh , would have good words about him. I dont think that Y. Bahagia is under anyone’s thumb.
He has brought Maybank to what it is today, and i dont think it is fair for him to debate in Parliament as fluently as any MPs. He was and is not a politician.
As Dear CH posted @14.07, it is almost impossible to balance a deficit budget, with rising crude oil price and staple food cost.
I am very sure that Datuk, would resign at the slightest moment that his personal integrity is compromised. Ask any Bankers in town, and they will testify his good credentials.
#14 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:41 pm
Dear Sheriff singh,
You need not be so rude to someone who you may not even know. I believe that under the circumstances, most of us do read from texts prepared rather than being a DJ from Fm station. Of course unless you are a seasoned politicians, BUT some politicians still read their questions and answers prepared.
#15 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:44 pm
dear lchk,
have you tried giving a speech on a stage in public ? is yes , great on you. If NO, even with a prepared text, your legs cave in.
#16 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:47 pm
dear lchk,
Yang Amat Berhormat, Datuk Khalid the Menteri Besar of Selangor was from one of those institution you mentioned in your earlier posting.
Please dont generalise.
thank you.
#17 by novice101 on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:54 pm
Good observation and good advice. Sincerely hope you can be as sharp with the new DAP MPs.
#18 by taiking on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 2:57 pm
Handling Maybank is nothing like dealing in politics and with politicians.
A true businessman will always strive to make money for the company which he takes charge in.
On the other hand, a politician has no qualms about letting a business run up loses in the order of billions.
The reason is simple and it is because their respective aims are simply quite different.
Besides, the rules by which they operate are also different; and the skills upon which they depended for survival and success are also not the same.
You see, David Beckam will fall to pieces if he were to challenge Nicol David to a game of racquet and ball.
So, it does not take a lot for one to observe and conclude that the tools and skills which Amirshan has acquired in fending himself and his integrity in the business world may not work well in politics, if they work at all.
Are we surprised by what Uncle Kit said? NO.
But it certainly reflects very badly on our PM’s decision and his choice of Ministers.
And Khairy?
He is just a man in a great hurry.
My prediction: He will miss the destiny which he desires.
#19 by darcwil on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 3:12 pm
Now I cant wait for the *young MPs* to make statements in the parliament, I wonder how they will handle their new environment? Because frankly, they’ve been acting really safe now havent they?
#20 by donplaypuks on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 3:13 pm
He’s beeing groomed for the Finace Minister’s post.
Hopefully he won’t lie to us that per capita income frew by 40% in 4 yaers by fiddling around with exchange rates or that Petronas will run out of oil by 2011 when Petronas says it is 2025 or that infaltion is below 3% when food, transport, oil costs are all increasing by over 25% per annum!
But under Rip Van winkle’s tutelage, I’m afraid he will get his Phd in spindoctoring in record time, and then be a useless Minsiter.
#21 by pulau_sibu on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 3:21 pm
shame! shame! shame!
he must have been appointed by the fourth floor
#22 by clearwater on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 3:38 pm
Maybank has a protected franchise within Malaysia, its competitors were hobbled by unfair rules and regulations for many years. Amirsham never had to face the full onslaught of unbridled competition and could successfully build Maybank by just being a good goalkeeper in a competition where the other participants I suspect he does not yet possess the cloak of shamelessness politicians wear as protection against criticism.
#23 by kingkenny on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 3:47 pm
YB Amirsham,
if you do happen to come to YB Kit’s blog here, please do heed YB Kit’s advice to you.
Don’t fall from grace and become something that wag it’s tail for BN.
If you ARE what many here consider you to be, and in any instance that you feel your integrity is in jeopardy, please do the RIGHT thing…for the Citizens.
It goes to show what BN is made of, if you dumped them to protect what’s important to a politician – honesty, noble & integrity!
Good luck! :)
#24 by Cinapek on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 4:10 pm
Firstly, the SIL sure is getting a lot of Parliament time. I wonder whether the other MPS are given equal supplementary question time by the Speaker.
It does look very fishy if Amirsham does read an answer from a prepared text to a supplementary question which he could not and should not have had prior knowledge of.
I read some very good comments about Amirsham on this blog here and if he is what he is, then Kit is right. Stay away from the Prince of Darkness or he will be condemned for life and destroy all the good legacy that he has spent a lifetime building up.
#25 by kcb on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 4:11 pm
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
So these two green horns in the parliament have resorted to these cheap shots to gain attention?
“Amirsham Aziz – a professional/technocrat”? Go ask any Maybanker for the truth!
#26 by I Malaysian on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 5:02 pm
I saw Amirsham’s reply in Parliament yesterday. For some reason I sympathize him, he is not a politician, one could see how nervous he was during the answering time.
As far as Khairy is concerned, I believe what LKS replied during his debating time; An Oxford graduate can’t even understand between religion and expression of anger. I will not be surprised if Khairy had bought his certificate from someone who had studied in Oxford. Only someone who had done dishonest things would be capable of all this cheap methods.
#27 by pamelaoda on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 5:03 pm
nothing new and this amir is not the only one and wait! more to come….same as Paris Hilton’s porno tape!!! yuck
#28 by lulai on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 5:32 pm
why is this rembau MP forever making so much noises in parliament… and all the wrong ones… and he being a new MP too (not forgetting maybe a should-not-be MP).
sad. parliament will be more of a circus with him monkeying around esp. when he wants to fight for his ‘bangsa dan ugama’ or his taunting and inciting of the opposition. he think he is so smart eh?? he’ll look childish and foolish!!
oh boy, i’m so very disappointed that of all persons, this arrogant son in law has to be a MP.
#29 by non-conformist on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 6:38 pm
Yuck and muck to that richest unemployed scum from Oxford.
He is definitely a DISGRACE to that honorable institution.
He is a real cheapskate… not fit to speak in Parliament.
#30 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 6:51 pm
“But what a letdown by Amirsham during question time in Parliament just now. Amirsham’s professionalism was completely absent. What is worse – he shamed himself publicly when he was exposed to be a Minister completely under the thumb of the “world’s richest unemployed”!” KIT
Amirsham has always been a nerd in his student days, a private and shy individual who kept mostly to himself.
We would be naive to think this guy headed the country’s largest bank for as long as he did without the backing of UMNO. That cannot happen. His contract was also extended passed his retirement age. What does that tell us?
To whom much is given, and much is expected!
#31 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 6:53 pm
“He’s beeing groomed for the Finace Minister’s post.”
I think so.
#32 by Evenmind on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 6:54 pm
Greenhorns ypu say , no noo, they are the many of the scumbags morons the NEP has produced over all these years, i think the sheep dogs in NZ farms performs much better than them., talking about intellect, its all kosong up there as far as these scumbags are concerned.
#33 by lchk on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 6:58 pm
ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH,
My point of contention is not with prepared speeches or speaking off the cuff.
It is with the charade of slanted questions and prepared replies being done in Parliament and which is rightly condemned by Kit or by any right-minded individual.
#34 by boh-liao on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 7:02 pm
Amirsham Abdul Aziz aspires to learn from KJ the secret to be the world’s richest unemployed.
#35 by Godfather on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 7:05 pm
What integrity ? Anybody who could sit around the weekly cabinet meetings chaired by Sleepy Head had to have their principles compromised. Look at Zaid Ibrahim, look at Shahrir. Amirsham is no different. All these so called “promising” technocrats have to march to UMNO’s tune.
The tune is called “Money, Money, Money”.
#36 by sheriff singh on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 7:25 pm
Nor Mohammed Yakcob brought him into politics but didn’t brief him well as to what to do when facing hostile politicians who can be unkind. I suppose the charade was to make him look good but unfortunately…
It was a lesson well learnt, I am sure. Is the charade on YouTube?
#37 by PSM on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 7:30 pm
Oh come on people…are we surprised? Does anything about UMNO & the BN surprise us anymore? They have been doing devious things like this for years.
No we are not surprised!
#38 by pulau_sibu on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 7:40 pm
Tell me, please. What kind of professionalism do you need in becoming a politician or minister? Sorry to say that the worst kind of persons went into politics. Even if you are a good person, you may end up as a bad person in politics. I just hope that the opposition will set a different kind of records
#39 by Loh on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 7:41 pm
The fact that the minister and the MP have prepared question and answer to issue pertaining to NEP only shows that they want to justify NEP and to defend their actions. The practice was abnormal.
NEP is such an important issue where the implementations over the years have deviated from the objectives. BN government has all along been using the objectives to justify the policy, and yet it continues to implement programmes which go against the original objectives. The way NEP has been implemented since its inception, or in other words the programmes said to be implemented under NEP run counter to the stated objectives of NEP. NEP is synonymous with racism. It gives the government the excuse to exercise cronyism, corruption and nepotism, since the only requirement was that the beneficiaries were Malays.
The BN government is ever ready to turn NEP into a race issue, and it will also use the excuse of helping the poor, and linking the myth that only rural Malays are poor to inply that criticism against NEP is a conspiracy against Malays. BN used May 13 but ended up with tsunami on March 8. They will twist any statement by PR politicians to achieve their heinous objectives.
One major flaw of NEP is the notion that collective wealth of a community represents the success of the community, which would help to alleviate the sense of jealousy against the other community if they are collectively less well off. NEP accepts the sense of jealousy as the motivation for political struggle, in UMNO. Hence non-Malays should stand still or regress when Malays progress as envisaged in all the NEP programmes. The quota system of student intakes into local universities, and later the double standards in the application of meritocracy are clear examples.
DAP should prepare to ask for justifications that government programmes were meeting the stated objectives of NEP in the next sitting of the parliament. However, it is likely that BN might not be the ruling government then!
#40 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 7:46 pm
“I will use my banking experience in the best interest of the country and exercise professionalism in every step I take.” Amirsham
I’m sure you will. Your role when heading Maybank was to smooth the funding of projects, financing others and heading loan syndications and raising funds for government projects no other banks would participate in their financing had it not been for the fact that Maybank is a major participant if not lead manager.
#41 by cancan on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 8:09 pm
What is in our August House?
Link: http://www.kingsmary.blogspot.com/
#42 by shortie kiasu on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 8:11 pm
Do you think he is really that good at Maybank?? He was just planted there because he is a Malay and the GLC like Maybank are controlled by the government and all senior staff are Malays.
Does any body dare to say that if Maybank was led/managed by other it may have performed better than it currently does??
What can he bring to the highest law making body? That are plenty of big question marks written all over the wall for us to see.
#43 by sheriff singh on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 8:26 pm
Oh come one fellas.
Exam questions are frequently leaked so leaks in Parliament (roof included) are just normal occurance. You want to reset the supplementary question?
#44 by limkamput on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 8:30 pm
Sometimes we just make simple assumption that those that were at the helm of large corporation must ipso facto be capable people. Don’t be too sure, most of the corporations are state monopolies supported by government. Look at the present CEO of Maybank. He was from TM, and may I know what fantastic tasks has he accomplished in TM and before that in PLUS. Are all these not GLCs, with monopoly power and unlimited government support? I think in addition to UMNOPutra, many of us have overlooked the blood sucking civil service Putra and GLCPutra. Trust me, Trust me, they are as ravaging and greedy as UMNOPutra.
#45 by yhsiew on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 10:12 pm
It will be very sad indeed if a Malaysian MP has to depend on his colleague’s notes for answers. While it is OK to use a colleague’s notes as reference, the speaker should exercise his own analytical skills and judgment on the topic discussed and come up with his own opinion.
BN’s tough stance on publication of alternative or “sensitive” media has not only violated one of the principles of democracy – freedom of expression, but has also impeded Malaysians’ thinking capacity and analytical skills. Malaysians need expose to alternative media in order to develop their thinking power and judgment skills so that they do not need to depend on others for a decision or solution.
BN should note that countries with the highest degree of media freedom are among the wealthiest countries in the world.
#46 by Damocles on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 10:13 pm
“Y. Bhg. Datik Amirsham Abdul Aziz is certainly one credible Banker, that many respected. Even Tan Sri Teh , would have good words about him. I dont think that Y. Bahagia is under anyone’s thumb.” – Adam Yong
Well, Adam, I think you should know what being in a political party is like, especially one like UMNO where the whip is cracked more frequently than the one used by a lion tamer!
To the top hiererahy, what is a banker to them if he don’t toe the line? They’ll crack the whip at him just the same.
If he is principled enough to resign from his post, it’s no big loss, it’s far better than having someone who is disobedient!
However, can you tell me how many UMNO, or for that matter, BN ministers have resigned based on principles in our country’s fifty year history?
I’m sure very, very few indeed!!
#47 by peterchiang on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 10:18 pm
There is no good reason for the 2 MP to play “Dorothy Dixer”. They ought to be smarter than that.
#48 by Killer on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 10:31 pm
Dear Kit
I can’t quite comprehend your reasoning that Amirsham is under KJ just for this incident. It is possible that this was pre-planned but even then it would not explain such the leap in logical reasoning by yourself.
Or you are making this accusation because you and your party were made look foolish by that young punk, KJ ?
I think instead of blaming others, perhaps you and other senior DAP leaders should behave with more humility and speak for people rather than promoting your personal agenda or score childish points.
The more foolishly and emotionally you speak, the more vulnerable you get to be attacked and trapped.
KJ is no fool and he didn’t get to attend Oxford by paying under the table. He is an intelligent man though I would not stand up for him ethically (not because he is unethical but because I simply do not know enough to make a judgement).
While you might accuse KJ and Amirsham of tricks, perhaps it would be instructional to review your own less than stellar performance in accusing KJ as “the world’s richest unemployed man.” and childish behaviour when debating with him.
#49 by kingkenny on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 11:14 pm
Hahaha banana killer :),
I find it hard to believe after reading your post above, that you were not a banana boy! :)
YB Kit, a.k.a. The GREAT White Shark, have been standing there debating for years on end, for you to say the things you said to him shows how unacknowledged you are.
Being an Oxford student does not make him any better an MP if he lacks substance, integrity and the WILL TO SERVE THE RAKYAT!
If you do not know KJ enough to judge him, what makes it legitimate for you to judge YB Kit in return and calling him childish!
How many minutes of youTube have you watch YB Kit in action?! :)
Kacau aje….hypocrite banana boy! hahahahaha :)
#50 by limkamput on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 11:31 pm
Talking about ethics and intellectually corrupt, I think we can find no better one than Killer, the BN slime ball. In case you have not noticed, there is nothing right that DAP or Sdr Kit has done. Why do you bother to come here if it is so torturous to you? Please bear in mind that it is only in Kit’s blog that you are allowed to say what you want. Try doing the same thing in Ali Gostan’s or Mahathir’s blog. You will be kicked out in no time.
If you can’t see what was wrong in Parliament this morning, you must be a gullible fool governed by a perverted sense of what is right and wrong. So what he got an Oxford degree? Has he proven anything? Has he earned a ringgit on his own other than being the SIL of AAB. He is not smart, he is slimy and cunning to the core. If there is anything, it shows the oxford kid is indeed messing up the administration of the whole country.
May I know what is wrong for Sdr Kit to point the wayang kulit being staged. In fact this kind of practice should be exposed, ridiculed and pursued to the end. If there are any foolish and childish stuff being portrayed everyday, it is those monkeys from BN. Sdr Kit does not need your half baked ill intended advice.