I refer to the malaysiakini report Plantation companies begin merger moves . Is the proposed merger of the three plantation companies a 'done deal'? In spite of the initial surprise at the announcement of the merger, all the CEOs have agreed to it.

Did they have a choice? Certainly not, since they are beholden to the powers-that-be if they wish to continue in their present positions. So it looks like only the formalities of seeking shareholders' and other relevant authorities' approvals and now needed before hey presto! we have a gigantic plantation company the largest in the world!

Actually, without political interference, if at all the three companies are due for a merger, I would have expected Golden Hope to take the lead in seeking Guthrie's and Sime Darby's plantation divisions. This would allow Sime Darby to continue with its other successful businesses.

Now we have a group of specialists in their own fields working out what is best for the merged entity. Strange as the merger is claimed to have been 'market driven'.

This merger plan reminds me of the merger of the bus companies running within Kuala Lumpur and its neighbouring districts. It was agreed that two companies were to take over all the existing bus companies so that it would be easier to plan, coordinate and improve the transportation needs of the public.

It looked good on paper, and impressive as well when all the new air-conditioned buses and uniformed drivers were lined up. But reality set in when the nitty-gritty of the detailed requirements of the public were overlooked. Then, the financial cost of the expensive coaches (with inflated prices?) without the necessary fare increases finally put the companies in the red.

The different management styles between the closely-controlled 'Chinaman families' and the detached corporate managers were obvious. The former will stint on costs while the latter went for the most expensive, be it for computers, buildings or coaches.

I have personally watched how an experienced bus operator went incognito on bus trips to ascertain the viability as well as to spot the pocketing of fares by conductors. This before they actually committed to taking over a company. However, this cannot be expected of corporate managers, especially when the takeovers are expected to be done in a hurry.

The other important aspects where poorly-managed bus companies lost money were the lack of control over spare parts, vehicle maintenance, lackadaisical attitude of drivers and so on.

So far, critics can only point out the likely problems, the disadvantages and the lack of merits for a merger. By the time everything is cleared and the beneficiaries and the asset-stripping are known, will it be another 'deja vu'? Honestly, we have been taken for rides too often, so cynicism comes quite naturally.