Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said makes a fine sergeant-at-arms, as she has the muscle and bark to protect Najib Abdul Razak. She defended him against the opposition MP Ngeh Koo Ham, who had been critical of Najib’s bloated cabinet. If the truth be told, Najib needs to triple the workforce, and increase the number of ministers, deputy ministers and civil servants.

Ngeh should have reflected on Malaysian public life before commenting on the size of Najib’s retinue. The number of people in the civil service and cabinet is clearly insufficient, after one factors in absenteeism and ‘hari ponteng’, sickness, going for ‘sarapan’, extended coffee and tea-breaks, power lunches, study trips, and meetings.

Several departments manage with a skeleton staff on most days, but when it comes to festivals, people will take many days off to balik kampung. The ones who remain are in holiday mood. In other words, very little work is done.

When the PM goes abroad, the cabinet and senior civil servants troop out to the airport to bid him farewell, to kiss his hand and pray for his safe return. The same ritual is observed on the return leg. It is highly likely that before returning to the office, those who were at the airport will make a detour, for ‘makan’. It would be naïve to think that the junior staff are hard at work whilst their bosses, are at the airport.

Many vendors will be invited, to discuss government contracts and tender requirements. Talking is hard work, answering questions, harder still. The meeting will include a large spread, and by the time the ‘makan’ is over, half the day is gone. In Malaysia, the refreshments are courtesy of the generous taxpayer.

Senior department heads conduct business on the golf course. Pre-arranged appointments are strongly advised because anyone who wants to pay him a visit, on spec, will be told that he is unavailable, as he is “at an important meeting”.

The same happens when you want to talk to the police. You will be told that the inspector is unavailable, because he is “on a case”, literally. Inebriated policemen depend on their partner to take up the slack.

Overworked ministers seldom have time for their children. Burning the candle at both ends means that some may have to miss their child’s wedding. The children of some ministers have to marry overseas so that their fathers can attend the wedding, whilst working, for the good of the nation.

The self-styled First Lady of Malaysia, (Flom) recently announced that she felt sorry for Najib, and he for her . Instead of wallowing in self-pity, they have picked themselves up, ignored their critics, and indulged their own whims. It is the rakyat who are sorry, that they are not as determined and resolute as this perfectly matched couple.

‘Many challenges and responsibilities’

Azalina ( photo ) confirmed the need for 37 ministers and 32 deputy ministers, of which 11 ministers and two deputy ministers are attached to the PM’s Department (PMD). She told Ngeh , “In this borderless world, there are many challenges and responsibilities shouldered by the government to ensure that Malaysia remains peaceful, prosperous and tranquil.”

The “borderless world” enabled Suluk warriors to sail into Sabah waters from neighbouring Philippines without being challenged. Ironically, the marine surveillance and security for the 1,400km coastline was under the purview of the PMD. It failed.

The erstwhile defence minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had to transfer responsibility of overseeing security to his ministry and the navy. If the PMD had been adequately staffed, the invasion could have been averted.

With the PMD accounting for 30 percent of the ministers in the cabinet, it is inevitable that power is concentrated in Najib’s hands. Being the finance minister also helps to solve money issues within the PMD, which saw its budget increase from RM16.5 billion in 2014 to RM19 billion in 2015. Departments which underperform should expect a decrease in funding.

In 21st Century Malaysia, money opens more doors than democracy. Debating issues takes too long. Getting two people to come to a consensus is difficult. Getting three to agree, is a nightmare. Najib knows that keeping 37 ministers on his side, is impossible.

Money is like ‘baja’ (manure) and is only of use if it is spread around. If the right price if offered, anyone will say whatever the donor wants him to say. In extreme cases, money will keep people quiet.

With a reduced budget, the Education Ministry has failed many students. In addition, many loyal Malays are reluctant to speak English as they would be deemed unpatriotic. Najib’s civil service of 1.5 million workers, and a 45,000 strong PMD workforce, needs to expand to reward their patriotism.

Azalina is right to say that it was the PM’s prerogative to determine the number of ministers in his administration. In Malaysia, big is beautiful. The rakyat must tighten their belts, and the cabinet should forget the word ‘austerity’.

MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army and president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO).