Do the homework before starting anything

I HOPE it’s not too late to congratulate Pakatan Harapan on its victory in the 14th General Election. I’m sure the euphoria has not subsided yet among both the rakyat who voted for Pakatan and the newly elected representatives and ministers.

I have noticed that one of the ministers who is reported regularly in the media is Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran. Perhaps he is trying to create a good impression by addressing as many issues as possible.

But I wonder whether he actually did his research or consulted senior officers at his ministry before making public statements especially on policies. His about-turn on the foreign cook issue is one glaring example. He was reported to have told Bernama News Channel: “We want locals to be employed as cooks. There will be no compromise... we are giving you notice to do it by Dec 31. If you don’t do it, we can’t help it”, “Truly Malaysian fare from Jan 1” ( The Star, June 23).

Barely 24 hours later, after receiving brickbats for that statement I suppose, he was quoted as saying “The call for restaurants to only hire local cooks was just a suggestion and stakeholders will be engaged before the final implementation” ( Sunday Star, June 24).

This reflects lack of in-depth study on the matter, otherwise he should have just stood his ground come hell or high water.

My “advice” to all the ministers who were handpicked by our Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is to learn as much as you can about your new portfolio and not let our PM and the rakyat down.

There’s no room for incompetence or arrogance. This is a delicate and challenging time for our country. The rakyat has put high hopes on the new government to deliver and we don’t need “loose cannon” ministers who do not “run with the pack” to tarnish its image.

SHARIFAH Shah Alam