CHOOSING a qualified prime minister is crucial at this juncture for the nation which is going through a health and economic crisis. 

We need a leadership with vision which has a large network of contacts and is corruption-free, and a cabinet with vast knowledge of the economy, healthcare, labour, environment and globalisation. 

The shortcoming of the Perikatan National government was obvious. It had cabinet ministers who were chosen for political expediency rather than competence.

For example, we had PAS ministers who were clouded by religiosity instead having knowledge on trade, globalisation and climate change. We had a trade and industry minister who had no clue how to manoeuvre and built the confidence of the business community; a health minister who was ridiculed for his so-called medical solutions. 

It is hoped that MPs of both sides of the political divide will take a reasoned approach and go beyond their partisan interest, and choose the most competent leader to helm the nation and bring us out of the quagmire. 

I may not agree with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on certain issues, but he seems to be the candidate who meets some of the criteria, provided he gets competent and professional ministers to helm his cabinet.

Anwar has to break from the perception that he is pro-America in foreign policy to win over some of his critics and sceptics. 

It is hoped the greater good of the nation prevails in the selection of leaders.  

The worst thing that could happen to the nation is the return of kleptocrats and incompetent, ethno-religious politicians. 

The people deserve a broad-thinking and competent leader with merits to revive the nation. – August 19, 2021.

* Ronald Benjamin is secretary at the Association for Community and Dialogue.

* 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.