Kuok a good choice, says analyst

AN ANALYST gives the thumbs up to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s naming of three senior members in his Cabinet and the setting up of the Team of Eminent Persons to support inexperienced lawmakers, Oriental Daily News reported yesterday.

The inclusion of tycoon Tan Sri Robert Kuok, who has close ties with China leaders, is seen as a particularly positive move to not only allay China’s concern about the direction of the new government but also serve to enhance bilateral ties.

Political commentator Datuk Cheah See Kian said judging from the selection of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, former Central Bank governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former Petronas chief executive officer Tan Sri Hassan Marican, billionaire businessman Kuok and economist Prof Jomo Kwame Sundaram to form the Team of Eminent Persons, much emphasis is given to boosting the country’s economy.

He said the finance minister will have to work closely with the team.

Kuok’s experience in business and investment as well as his good relationship with the Chinese government are what Malaysia needs, Cheah said, pointing out that the tycoon will be a great help to Mahathir’s administration.

On Daim, Cheah opined that the former finance minister can put his past experience in managing the country’s finances to good use and provides input where it is needed.

“Zeti is a leading currency and financial expert while Jomo knows the country’s economy like the back of his hand and is known for his outspokenness.

“Hassan’s experience in running Petronas will also come handy for the new government in managing the oil and gas industry, a key revenue earner for the country,” said Cheah.