Federalising Selangor...

I know, I know - there is no such word as federalising...but in this strange time, everything is possible. If one can abuse the standing orders and protocols, so what is there to hype about minor grammatical mistake. Afterall, it might be accepted as a word one day...

The word is not important but what's transpiring in Selangor is...and will affect our future...

1. The federal-backed appointment of Khusrin Munawi as Selangor State Secretary is going to be another interesting chapter in Malaysian politics. It may not be the first controversy but enough to verify that Bukit Kayangan hands are tied as the Royal house claim that they are powerless in this issue.
2. Khalid reportedly briefed the press that the Sultan said that the Sultan has no power to accept or to reject an appointment by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
3. Let's look at the issue objectively or at least try to be objective in analysing the scenario. Most states in Malaysia have three top public servants as nominated EXCO members. They are the State Secretary, the State Financial Officer and the state legal officer.
4. Most states also have their own state Public Service Commission (PSC) who is responsible in appointing state officers. As in the case of Selangor, that may covers the various state departments like MAIS, JAIS, local authorities etc. The state PSC is also responsible in vetting suitable candidates for the post of State Secretary, State legal officer and state Financial Officer.
5. Generally speaking, the federal administration (that is the KSN) normally seconded their own legal officers as state Legal Officer to advise the state on legal matters. The federal administration may be requested to nominate a few suitable candidates from their vast pool of senior officers for the post of State Secretary and state Financial officer if and only if requested by the state PSC.
6. The state PSC will normally recommend the candidate to the Sultan after getting the approval from the MB. The Sultan's consent is purely academic as these three nominated EXCO members have to work closely with MB and implementing the policies approved by the state government.
7. In terms of seniority, the State Secretary is number 1 state public servant, followed by the state Financial Officer (SFO) and then the state Director of Land and Mines (PTG). As the state Legal Officer is normally seconded from the federal staff, they are not considered for the State Secretary post. By that convention, it is also a normal practise for the State Financial Officer to take over the post of the State Secretary when the latter retires.
   
8. With that in mind, these questions need to be answered :-
   • Who seek the audience in Bukit Kayangan to recommend Khusrin as the State Secretary? Is he empowered to do the recommendation? Is he from the Selangor Public Service Commission?;
   • Did this person discuss and vetted the list together with Khalid, as Selangor MB or is he taking matters into his own hands?;
   • Why isn't the state Financial Officer not recommended for the state Secretary post? Is he not senior enough for the post?;
   • Is Khusrin's seniority at par (or better) than the current state financial officer and other senior officers in Selangor state administration? If he is not, that on what criteria is he appointed to the post?;
   • Khusrin's past appointment includes being a special officer to Khir Tpyo (when he was Selangor MB). This means that Khusrin is "politically-inclined" towards the party that Khir Toyo represents. Will this not jeorpadise the "Private & Confidential" information normally discussed during weekly EXCO meetings?; Who will give the assurance that Khusrin will not "leak" these vital information to third parties?;
     

9. Maybe, the state Secretary "mix-up" is due to Khir Toyo's precedence. It is said that Khir Toyo was responsible for the current mess because Khir's administration left the appointment of the then State Secretary to the KSN. If that is true, then 2 wrongs does not make it right and it is of utmost importance for Selangor to get it all right before this "mix-up" spread t other states, particularly in PR-led states.
10. Selangor is one of the richest state in Malaysia and it is a gold-mine to many. It is not impossible for Najib to use KSN as his instruments to plant his own man as Selangor State Secretary, someone who can throw spanner to PR-led state government.
11. However, it is best for Najib to let the states to run their own administration on their own terms. Putting Khusrin in Selangor hot seat may be legally correct but definitely ethically wrong. Or has Najib forgotten that just because his aim is to get Selangor at all cost. Bear in mind that Najib is Selangor's UMNO chief and wresting Selangor from PR is his main objective.
12. All said and done, federalising Selangor is not the best solution for all parties concern. Khusrin may be "politically-inclined" but he may also be a sacrificial pawn. That is normal for BN - anything goes, as long as they get what they wanted.
13. The better solution for Selangor "mix -up still lies in Bukit Kayangan. The occupant can always call Putrajaya and withold the swearing-in ceremony. Next, he can instructed the MB and the state PSC to peruse through the recommendation again and get the best person for the job with the right credentials and seniority.
14. It's all in the heart. Is Bukit Kayangan willing with both Khalid and KSN co-operating. If not, then let 2011 witness the federalisation of Selangor...
15. Oh by the way, it will be Selangor footing Khusrin's salary and not the federal government. So by logic, you come into my house, please show some respect as you will be using my belongings...the same goes for Federal government (by way of KSN's actions) when dealing with Selangor state secretary issue...
    I stand corrected with my views...
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...