Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department By Cecilia Kok

by **Cals** Sun 29 Dec 2013, 23:54

Published: Saturday December 28, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Saturday December 28, 2013 MYT 11:19:14 AM
Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department
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THE sting of politics – Wahid has tasted a few since joining the Cabinet as a senator about six months ago. And it is not surprising.
Given the intense political competition in Malaysia currently, Wahid has not been spared from being attacked from both sides of the political divide.
Wahid left as head honcho of Malayan Banking Bhd after being roped in to be one of the ministers in the Prime Minister’s Office by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in May. His assignment is to head the Economic Planning Unit.
Understandably, Wahid’s mission is not easy as there are many tough and unpopular decisions to make and implement in order to rebuild a stronger foundation for the country’s economy.
At a luncheon with the media over the week, Wahid says there are three words that he will use to describe his experience thus far in government service.
They are “professionally-enriching”, as he is learning more new things than in the corporate world; “socially-enlarging” as he has the opportunity to build new contacts, especially with high-powered leaders; and “spiritually-fulfilling”, knowing that whatever he is doing now is for national interest.
And of course, there is another dimension to this “enriching” experience. Wahid concedes it is also “financially painful” for him, as the measures that he and his team have to recommend to the Government have significant implications on his own spending power as they have on that of the public.
“Running a regional banking group is simpler,” says the unassuming Wahid.
“Decisions that need to be made by the Government cannot always be based on popularity,” Wahid stresses.
And as he has found out over the last six months, “good intentions are often misunderstood”.
But what makes it even more frustrating is the fact that his comments would occasionally get twisted and be taken out of context by some media organisations. Whenever this happens, it often lands him in a tight spot, facing the unreasonable wrath of opportunistic politicians. The recent case being some comments he made in relation to the use of highways in the event of a toll hike. “It is not a good feeling,” concedes the soft-spoken Wahid. “But at the end of the day, you just have to pick yourself up again,” he says.
For Wahid, his conscience is clear, as he knows that he is merely trying to do what’s best for the country. A mammoth task at hand indeed for Wahid. – By Cecilia Kok