The choice of a chief operating officer for a national investment fund like Khazanah Berhad with funds in the region of hundreds of billions of ringgit should be based ultimately on one important factor - integrity.

Regardless of whatever Oxbridge or Ivy league qualifications, the most fundamental quality of the person should be absolute honesty in his fiduciary position involving public funds.

The track record of a person in a position of trust, especially having experienced really difficult situations, like the 1997 Asian economic meltdown for example, should be an important criterion.

Success in managing funds is in no way an absolute test as to the ability of a person as this could be due to other factors such as good timing and favourable circumstances. It is the ability to make the best out of a difficult situation that is more important.

Nick Leeson in 1995 showed how a young man with a good track record can succumb to greed through weak character and bring down a major institution like Barings.

Is there is a shortage of well-experienced, older professionals in Malaysia, who can be the chief operating officer of Khazanah?

For Khairy Jamaluddin, especially with the likely accusation of nepotism, I wish to ask, what is the hurry?