Talent Corporation & political, economic & social changes

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to ensure that the setting up of the Talent Corporation is accompanied by positive changes politically, economically and socially.

The changes should include the policy on media freedom. Although there may not be such thing as absolute freedom, Najib should at last show that Malaysia's main stream media are not virtually one- sided as they are today.

For example, my suggestion to Najib on attracting and retaining talents may not be taken up by any traditional media. His people would only get it in my website, blog or twitter.

On 5.10.2010, Dr Tan takes note of the Prime Minister's announcement on the formation of Talent Corporation from Brussels where he is attending the Asia-Europe Summit (Asem).

Yesterday, Najib said that he formed Talent Corporation under the Prime Minister's Department to identify shortages in key sectors, attract and retain the necessary skilled human capital, and provide an integrated skilled human capital blueprint. We would like to know the details and the practical aspects.

The PM says,"We are creating more exciting things to attract Malaysians and foreigners to come and play a part in our next level of growth. If we can create more opportunities, some of you might want to come back and those married to Belgians can bring (your) spouses with you; they will be allowed to work.

"Our policy is to be more open because a society tha is open will thrive in the 21st century. A society that is closed will not attract the best brains, you will attract mediocre people and the good ones would have left the country and we would be a lot poorer as a result."

These have been said by others. We wish Najib well in his implementation. Apparently, the Talent Corporation will start recruiting Malaysians and foreigners overseas. from January, 2011.

There are many factors that keep talented people in other countires, including salaries, working conditions, promotional criteria and prospect for the family. Needless to say, Malaysia's salaries are much lower than those in advanced countries such as Belgium, UK and USA. Some who have returned leave very soon because of factors such as the atmosphere and the mentality.

Lets talk on the mentality and the attitude of those in an established institution such as a university. Following Najib's call, a Malaysian expert may return from England to work in an established university. While he and she may be highly regarded overseas, he or she may find that unless he or she toes the line or sucks up to the boss, he or she may not get anywhere. The conditions are neither open nor free. Frustration may set in.

I shall follow up the progress of the Talent Corporation and the ways the Prime Minister deals with those who have returned to the country.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw