I believe this matter has been discussed, commented and brought up by generally every citizen of Malaysia.

Looking at the state of most of our government-linked companies (GLCs), one wonders why did the government even bother to so-call privatise them in the first place? I truly support the fact that every citizen in Malaysia deserves a better life - but not by pampering them by appointing them to positions that they do not deserve.

Every CEO or chairperson should be appointed based on his or her merits and performance, not based on connections or favouritism by politicians. This practice will see the downfall of the GLCs rather than a chance to turn them around.

The names of ailing companies that continue to ring in our ears are Proton, Celcom (even though it has been bought over by Telekom, they're still suffering losses), MAS (they should learn lean management from AirAsia) and many more. I remember a few years back that while passing the MAS building in Jalan Sultan Ismail, a stretch Mercedez-Benz limousine was parked in front. Did it belong to some top brass in MAS?

Even the fourth richest man in the world, Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, is driving an old Volvo. He flies economy class and frequents cheap restaurants. Why is this so? Because he believes that if you are selling affordable furniture, you must also live an affordable life and not a luxurious one. I'm not saying that rich peple are not supposed to enjoy their life. But think about it - a stretch Mercedez will cost more than RM1 million and to then drive it around the narrow streets of KL?

This could be just the tip of the iceberg. What about the management of our other GLCs who have been constantly rewarding themselves at the expense of the taxpayers? Is the auditor- general transparent enough to disclose the truth after auditing these companies? Or will it be swept under the carpet since the mainstream media is not supposed to provide negative news on the government? Are we willing to accept whatever news in the mainstream media or do we want all the facts to be disclosed without fear or favour?

I truly believe that privatisation will not work if these companies still belong to the government. The CEOs and chairpersons are not independant in their decisions for fear of opposing the mainstream politicians. Many are promoted based on their connections and willingness to be a 'servant' to their 'master'.

Look around us and if you feel that you cannot accept what you see, then we should be brave enough to demand for a change. Not through demonstrations, not through poison pen letters, not through mere words but through the system that we believe in, democracy. Vote for what you believe in, and not for what you see or hear.