I AM a human resource manager of a public listed company and have been in the field of human capital all my working life. It is my job to see that human capital resources are used at optimum level in the organisation.

For example, if someone goes on annual or medical leave, the company has a system where the person’s responsibilities are handed over to another person.

In our online leave application form, anyone who would be away from the company – whether for vacation, medical or other reasons – would need to state who would be taking over his or her responsibilities during the absence.

The person who takes over will have to carry out his or her designated duties as well as the additional responsibilities of the colleague who’s away.

We just have to make do with whatever resources at the company’s disposal. So far, the system has worked fairly well.

Rarely would the company need to appoint someone in an acting capacity, if a member of staff is only away for a short duration.

This is especially so for senior management posts like the chief executive. If a CEO goes on a two-week vacation, the company does not appoint an acting CEO.

First, there are regulatory as well as legal conditions that need to be fulfilled in appointing an acting CEO.

Second, as a PLC, having an acting CEO – especially if the incumbent is away only for only a short period – sends the wrong message to our stakeholders, like shareholders and clients.

Similarly, I don’t see why we need to have an acting prime minister just because Muhyiddin Yassin is on medical leave. The doctors have already said that he should be back to work soon.

As far as I can tell, just because the prime minister is on medical leave, it doesn’t mean that the country has ground to a halt.

Covid-19 vaccines are still being administered, salaries of government staff are still being paid and bureaucracy continues to function like before.

Like that of a company CEO, the prime minister’s job is to set policy and provide vision. Neither the CEO nor the prime minister are actually involved in the work which, in their absence could cause hiccups in operations, like signing off on payments for stationery supplies.

It is not true that the government is “rudderless” just because the prime minister is away for a short period.

Like that of a PLC, the government has a system in place where it would not descend into chaos just because the CEO or the prime minister is away for two weeks or even more.

Let’s not all get hysterical and demand an acting prime minister or set a succession plan just because Muhyiddin was down with food poisoning, a common ailment that can afflict you and me.

* Lokman M. reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.