JCorp is about to appoint a new CEO to replace Muhammad Ali Hashim, who has held the post for the past 28 years. It was widely reported that the Menteri Besar of Johor Abdul Ghani Othman is looking for a candidate.

Among others, he is looking between external candidates and the five current senior executives of JCorp, recommended by Muhammad Ali himself.

Based on the importance of the position which is suppose to help accelerate and grow Johor to a developed state, I feel the MB should not compromise on quality and hire the best person available.

All the internal candidates have been in their posts for too long and will be blinded by past paradigms and practices, which is unhealthy. Besides, many carry some baggage with them.

What we need is a dynamic leader with no baggage, and with greater vision who can command the respect not only of the local community (including Iskandar Malaysia) but also with the international community and Singapore.

The new CEO should have a global outlook. Presently, more is expected of JCorp to increase their share value and pass greater dividends to the share holders, who are expecting more. JCorp should also cease being too reliant on the state, as their resources are being depleted.

In the eyes of the business community JCorp has been too complacent and their business plans have not been innovative enough. Johor's growth over the last decade has been unexcited and being in such an excellent strategic location, JCorp needs to take greater economic yet prudent strides forward.

It is also hoped that there will be more synergy with existing business partners including Iskandar Malaysia and.

In the past it appears that JCorp has been alienating from the rest of the international business community for reasons best known to them.

They should engage more with bodies like the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and the Business Councils, Trade bodies, in order to ensure they are on track to economic expectations and on par with industry best practices.