Akhbar perdana niaga mingguan The Edge Daily, pada edisi akhir tahun 2008 membidas kepimpinan Menteri Innovasi, Sains dan Teknologi (MOSTI) Dato’ Seri Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis kerana dikatakan terlalu mempolitikan dan tidak ‘bergerak’ cukup pantas untuk pembangunan industri ICT dan menyediakan infrastruktur agar proses peng’kommersialisasi’an industri amat dinamik ini berlaku seiring dengan jajaran pengembangan diperingkat rantau ini dan global.
Dipetik dari portal The Edge Daily:
31 Dec 2007:
Net Value: More technology, less politics please
By Lee Wei Lian
It has been almost four years since Datuk Jamaludin Jarjis became Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, a key enabling ministry in the government’s goal to become a developed nation by 2020.
Much was expected of Jamaludin when he took on the portfolio as many felt that the country’s ICT agenda needed a strong personality to drive things forward and raise the bar.
To gauge the progress of the industry and of the minister’s performance thus far, netv@lue2.0 conducted an opinion survey of nearly 100 people and received an encouraging 40 responses. The results revealed that two thirds of the respondents, who included science and tech professionals, academics and corporate personalities, are disappointed with his performance (see Page 12 for commentary).
The respondents ranged from biotech researchers, venture capitalists and content creators to ICT entrepreneurs and MSC and BioNexus-status company CEOs. Half hold advanced degrees and over 40% are CEOs. Over two thirds of those who responded — 67.5% — said the minister had fallen short of their expectations. One quarter said Jamaludin met their expectations while 7.5% said he had exceeded their expectations.
Based on industry feedback, netv@lue2.0 sent a list of questions to the minister for an interview but was not able to meet him as the issue went to print. He has promised to meet us in the first week of January.
To a question on how respondents rated his ministerial capabilities, an equal number (27.5%) thought he was either a so-so minister or just not up to par. Slightly over one-fifth of respondents said he was good while 20% classified his tenure as a disaster. Only one respondent thought he was outstanding.
The majority of respondents, even those who were satisfied with Jamaludin, were not content with the pace of developments in the science and technology sector with an overwhelming percentage rating the pace of development in ICT, biotech and university research unfavourably.
Those who were disappointed by the minister had plenty to say. They felt Jamaludin’s agenda for developing science and technology lacked focus and that too much of his attention was consumed by politics. Other issues raised the tendency to micro-manage, lengthy grant approval processes, a lack of transparency and too many elaborate events and launches that cost money but provided little concrete benefit.
number of respondents also mentioned that they were not aware of any world-class success stories since he took over the portfolio.
Those who felt satisfied with Jamaludin thought that he had managed to rejuvenate Multimedia Development Corp Sdn Bhd (MDeC) and that the agency is far more effective now than before. They also credit him for setting up Biotech Corp, which they see as a good idea. They also think he does a good job at exciting people on the uses of science and technology and being bold and loud about it. They also appreciate the fact that while commercialisation is being emphasised, funds are still being allocated for basic science research.
Agenda — focus on being No 1
As far as agenda setting goes, respondents feel that “a narrow and focused approach” is in and a broad “big bang approach” is out. “Malaysia cannot excel in every area,” points out one respondent. “We must decide on our niche area and build our entire ecosystem of infrastructure, special projects and other capacity-building initiatives around the niche.” Another respondent suggests that the nation needs to focus on areas where it already has expertise, such as ICT and electronics. “Don’t waste our limited resources on things like space and polar research,” the respondent pleads.
Another had this piece of advice to give: “Look at what we have already, invest, focus and expand in those areas until we are No 1 or 2 in the world.”
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (Mosti) penchant for staging glitzy events and launches also drew the ire of many respondents. “Monies spent on extravagant events and meetings like the National IT Council do not contribute positively to industry,” says one respondent. Less form and more substance is the message that many of them want to send the minister.
Execution — let politics take a back seat
Respondents note that Jamaludin, who holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from Canada’s McGill University, is one of the highly educated members of the Cabinet and thus, a lot is expected of him. They feel that he has a lot of good ideas and good intentions but delivery and execution have been poor. They would like to see more transparency in decision-making and that decisions are not politically motivated. Many of them, being passionate about science and technology, hate to see it take a back seat to political considerations. “Government agencies should not be seen as a tool to impress the prime minister,” writes one respondent. Another admonishes: “Don’t try to score political points by doing projects to employ thousands of Malaysians to do low-value work. Focus on moving up the value chain.”
Part of the problem in execution could be that while the leadership at the top may be visionary, middle management may not be up to the task of delivering on that vision. “He didn’t manage the machinery in a way that allowed the recruitment of the right people,” was the view of one respondent.
While a more capable middle management may be desired, many respondents also felt that part of the problem is that Jamaludin is too much of a micro-manager and would prefer him to focus on setting the agenda and monitoring progress but delegating the implementation to capable people rather than trying to get too involved. One respondent suggests that Jamaludin should not interfere too much in the running of agencies like MDeC, Biotech Corp, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation and others and would do well to cut them loose so that they can move at a faster pace. “Set the policy and push for results,” sums up one respondent. “Don’t be a control freak.”
Grant approval — hampered by bureaucracy
Commercialisation, start-up and research grants were topics close to the heart of many respondents. Most felt that grant approvals took too long and by the time they got the money, it was already too late. Being scientists and technologists, they have no patience with red tape and question the value-add that Mosti brings to grant disbursement. “It’s just another layer of bureaucracy at the moment,” writes one respondent. “And delay in disbursements only makes successful applicants suffer.” Another expressed disappointment that allocated funds were not fully disbursed in recent years, leading to a reduction in the amount of funds allocated for 2008.
Respondents also would like to see greater capability among the people tasked with assessing funding applications. Those sitting on the approval committee should have the requisite knowledge and track record to properly assess applications. That committee members have little understanding of industry was a common complaint. “The people in charge need to brush up on their domain knowledge,” says one respondent.
MDeC and Biotech Corp — progressing but need stronger middle management
MDeC and Biotech Corp are the two most important agencies driving the ICT and biotech agenda in the country and came up frequently during the survey. Many respondents felt that these agencies were headed by good leaders but at the same time, felt they were overstaffed and could benefit from a stronger middle-management layer. “MDeC is trying to reinvent itself and I think Jamaludin is the force behind this,” says one respondent.
Other comments and suggestions
Respondents who were university researchers also felt that they should be empowered to spend more time doing what they are meant to do — research. “University researchers are just too tied up with administrative work,” writes one respondent. Another would like to see small research grants given to all university students to inculcate the research spirit and also an elite core of research universities identified in both the public and private sectors. Another respondent proposes that funds be tied to performance and that universities that fail to deliver have their budgets reduced.
The respondent felt that IT had more in common with communications than science, and that these should be combined into an ICT ministry on its own — with the constituent parts extracted from both Mosti and the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications (KTAK). Another concurred, saying that a rationalisation exercise was in order. “There are just too many ministries and agencies that have duplicate functions — Mosti, KTAK, MoI (Ministry of Culture and Information), MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission). There has to be a rationalisation so that there is focus and efforts are properly managed.”
Some respondents felt that too much research was sitting underutilised with universities. To speed up commercialisation, one respondent suggests that a well-designed system be implemented that funnels research findings by scientists to entrepreneurs who can develop, market and sell products based on the research.
Some respondents also expressed discontent over perceived racial bias in grant disbursement and employment. Among the suggestions made: Grants be given to good research proposals regardless of race and lecturers and scientists employed based on merit.
One respondent also suggests that Malaysia make a greater effort to collaborate in science and technology with Asian countries instead of always looking to Europe and North America.
The subject of corruption over grants also arose during the survey, with some respondents expressing dismay over certain people who claim that they represent Jamaludin and can get grants. Such talk is demoralising and they urge the minister to forcefully deal with these people.
In a nutshell, Jamaludin is perceived as capable but has let politics sway his agenda. With technology and innovation becoming key components of almost all sectors of the economy, if the government is really serious about making ICT an economic pillar of the nation, it should take the bold step of giving the post to a top-class technocrat. See what the person can do in three years.
The Edge menuduh Menteri MOSTI ini sebagai seorang ahli politik, banyak memberikan tumpuan kepada politik berbanding pembangunan industri ICT, sains dan tekonlogi, walaupun agensi agensi dibawah MOSTI telah dirombak dengan beberapa perubahan progressif dan kemas kinikan kebelakangan ini. Ini termasuk membawa masuk professional Melayu seperti Dato’ Badlisham Ghazali, mantan CEO Hewlett Packard Malaysia untuk menerajui agensi terpenting dan strategik dalam pembangunan ICT Malaysia dan bertanggung jawab penuh menjayakan MSC, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC). Pelbagai grant baru juga diperkenalkan kearah pembangunan teknopreneur ICT ‘jati’ tempatan.
Juga lihat artikel ini dan ini. Kritikan artikel ini juga menarik untuk memahami lebih mendalam analisa bias The Edge ini.
Yang nyatanya, semenjak menjadi Menteri MOSTI hampir empat tahun lalu, banyak perubahan dan kejayaan telah berjaya dicapai. Paling terkemuka kejayaan bersejarah ditempa ialah apabila anak Malaysia pertama, Angkasawan Negara Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor berjaya dilancarkan keangkasa lepas dalam missi ISS XVI dengan kapal angkasa Soyuz TMA-11 pada 10 Oktober 2007. Kemudian, program Angkasawan ini akan diteruskan untuk dengan persedian strategik dan komprehensif latihan sebagai anak kapal missi.
Kejayaan membanggakan Astronautic Technology Sdn. Bhd., anak syarikat Khazanah Holdings yang berjaya menyelidik, membangunkan dan memberi peluang dan ruang agar saintis saintis aeroangkasa dan satelit orbital rendah, terutama dikalangan anak anak Melayu, kini sudah menempa kejayaan dan sejarah, semenjak satelit mikro Malaysia TiungSat dan RazakSat berjaya dilancarkan dan beroperasi di orbit.
Semenjak mengambil alih tampuk kepimpinan MOSTI juga, Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (MBC) telah diujudkan untuk membangunkan industri dan kajian pelbagai hasil semula jadi khazanah alam semula jadi negara. MBC telah berjaya menengahkan hasil hasil saintis dan usahawan Malaysia dalam bidang bioteknologi kepada pasaran Amerika Syarikat melalui penglibatan dalam expo bioteknologi Amerika Syarikat diChicago pada 2006 dan Boston, 2007.
Apakah ada ujud agenda tersirat The Edge Daily, menyiarkan artikel artikel yang kunun kunun memaparkan Menteri MOSTI Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis gagal, berserta dengan bancian yang dibuat dikalangan pemain dan professional industri sebagai modal analisa? Apakah mungkin akhbar niaga mingguan The Edge sendiri bersifat ‘tidak cenderung kepada Melayu’ aka berbaur sedikit ‘perkauman’, dengan nada kritis yang sengit terhadap Menteri MOSTI ini?
MOSTI dibawah kepimpinan Dr. Jamaluddin memang banyak memberikan tumpuan dan ruang bagi program program pembangunanya kepada saintis, usahawan dan teknopreneur dikalangan Melayu, termasuk program program khusus dan ini memang amat tidak disenangi oleh ramai usahawan dan teknopreneur Bukan Melayu dan antarabangsa yang berpengakalan dirantau ini, yang sememangnya mempunyai akses kepada modal dan penguasaan pasaran, terutama jaringan yang mantap sekitar rantau ini, China, Taiwan dan India. Mungkin ini yang dimaksudkan penulis artikel artikel dalam Net V@lue sebagai Menteri MOSTI terlalu bermain politik.
Mungkin, kerana The Edge sendiri hampir tiada kakitangan kewartawanan dan pengarangnya dari keturunan Melayu. Mungkin juga ada dikalangan mereka yang mampu ‘mempengaruhi’ haluan kewartawanan dan meja pengarang The Edge masih lagi enggan ‘memaafkan’, jauh sekali melupakan insiden Dato’ Seri Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis atas kesilapan ketelanjuran perkataan yang disalah fahamkan semasa lawatan ke Los Angeles awal Mei tahun lepas (selepas seorang pelajar Cal Poly menulis kepada akhbar politik portal Malaysiakini kerana Dr. Jamaluddin dikatakan ‘menghina’, dengan nada ‘perkauman’). Namun begitu, beberapa hari selepas itu, beliau telah memohon maaf, apabila berada di Boston.
Untuk rekod, Ketua Pengarang Kumpulan The Edge ialah Ho Kay Tat dan antara pemegang saham utamanya ialah usahawan hartanah Tan Sri Vincent Tan dan Tong Kooi Ong. Tong, pemilik Kumpulan Phileo Allied, merupakan satu personaliti korporat yang meningkat maju dan berjaya mengambil peluang sepenuhnya kerana keakraban beliau dengan mantan Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan Anwar Ibrahim sepertiga kedua dekad 1990an sepuluh tahun dahulu. Apakah analisa bias terhadap Menteri MOSTI ini adalah jajaran selepas syarikat ICT yang berpotensi besar dimana Vincent Tan melabur, iaitu MiTV Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (kini dikenali sebagai U Television Sdn. Bhd.), yang diberikan lesen penyiaran dan kini pembangunan perisian 3G Telco, gagal maju kehadapan?
Persoalan sekarang, Kumpulan The Edge Daily hanya membuat bancian pendangan professional terhadap MOSTI dan Menterinya dan tidak kepada Kementerian lain, termasuk Menteri Bukan Melayu dalam Kementerian yang banyak beriteraksi dengan professional dan usahawan teknologi, seperti Kementerian Kesihatan, Pengangkutan dan Tenaga, Air dan Kommunikasi.
Analisa bias The Edge ini satu hari akan mungkin membawa keburukan kepada akhbar niaga itu. Mungkin wartawan dan pengarang kumpulan akhbar itu sudah lupa kisah berkenaan saman RM 10 juta Tan Sri Vincent Tan keatas penulis MGG Pillai dan mantan pensyarah kanan kewangan terkenal Dr. Barjoyai Bardai lebih sedekad dahulu. Bagai bidalan lama Melayu, “Cakap siang, pandang pandang. Cakap malam, dengar dengar”. Kali ini, The Edge Daily ‘bercakap’, ramai yang ‘memandang’.
Selamat Menyambut Awal Tahun Hijrah, 1 Muharram 1429H.
Menteri MOSTI dibidas The Edge Daily: Ada agenda tersirat bertopengkan pendekatan professionalism analisa industri?
Akhbar perdana niaga mingguan The Edge Daily, pada edisi akhir tahun 2008 membidas kepimpinan Menteri Innovasi, Sains dan Teknologi (MOSTI) Dato’ Seri Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis kerana dikatakan terlalu mempolitikan dan tidak ‘bergerak’ cukup pantas untuk pembangunan industri ICT dan menyediakan infrastruktur agar proses peng’kommersialisasi’an industri amat dinamik ini berlaku seiring dengan jajaran pengembangan diperingkat rantau ini dan global.
Dipetik dari portal The Edge Daily:
31 Dec 2007:
Net Value: More technology, less politics please
By Lee Wei Lian
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com
It has been almost four years since Datuk Jamaludin Jarjis became Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, a key enabling ministry in the government’s goal to become a developed nation by 2020.
Much was expected of Jamaludin when he took on the portfolio as many felt that the country’s ICT agenda needed a strong personality to drive things forward and raise the bar.
To gauge the progress of the industry and of the minister’s performance thus far, netv@lue2.0 conducted an opinion survey of nearly 100 people and received an encouraging 40 responses. The results revealed that two thirds of the respondents, who included science and tech professionals, academics and corporate personalities, are disappointed with his performance (see Page 12 for commentary).
The respondents ranged from biotech researchers, venture capitalists and content creators to ICT entrepreneurs and MSC and BioNexus-status company CEOs. Half hold advanced degrees and over 40% are CEOs. Over two thirds of those who responded — 67.5% — said the minister had fallen short of their expectations. One quarter said Jamaludin met their expectations while 7.5% said he had exceeded their expectations.
Based on industry feedback, netv@lue2.0 sent a list of questions to the minister for an interview but was not able to meet him as the issue went to print. He has promised to meet us in the first week of January.
To a question on how respondents rated his ministerial capabilities, an equal number (27.5%) thought he was either a so-so minister or just not up to par. Slightly over one-fifth of respondents said he was good while 20% classified his tenure as a disaster. Only one respondent thought he was outstanding.
The majority of respondents, even those who were satisfied with Jamaludin, were not content with the pace of developments in the science and technology sector with an overwhelming percentage rating the pace of development in ICT, biotech and university research unfavourably.
Those who were disappointed by the minister had plenty to say. They felt Jamaludin’s agenda for developing science and technology lacked focus and that too much of his attention was consumed by politics. Other issues raised the tendency to micro-manage, lengthy grant approval processes, a lack of transparency and too many elaborate events and launches that cost money but provided little concrete benefit.
number of respondents also mentioned that they were not aware of any world-class success stories since he took over the portfolio.
Those who felt satisfied with Jamaludin thought that he had managed to rejuvenate Multimedia Development Corp Sdn Bhd (MDeC) and that the agency is far more effective now than before. They also credit him for setting up Biotech Corp, which they see as a good idea. They also think he does a good job at exciting people on the uses of science and technology and being bold and loud about it. They also appreciate the fact that while commercialisation is being emphasised, funds are still being allocated for basic science research.
Agenda — focus on being No 1
As far as agenda setting goes, respondents feel that “a narrow and focused approach” is in and a broad “big bang approach” is out. “Malaysia cannot excel in every area,” points out one respondent. “We must decide on our niche area and build our entire ecosystem of infrastructure, special projects and other capacity-building initiatives around the niche.” Another respondent suggests that the nation needs to focus on areas where it already has expertise, such as ICT and electronics. “Don’t waste our limited resources on things like space and polar research,” the respondent pleads.
Another had this piece of advice to give: “Look at what we have already, invest, focus and expand in those areas until we are No 1 or 2 in the world.”
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (Mosti) penchant for staging glitzy events and launches also drew the ire of many respondents. “Monies spent on extravagant events and meetings like the National IT Council do not contribute positively to industry,” says one respondent. Less form and more substance is the message that many of them want to send the minister.
Execution — let politics take a back seat
Respondents note that Jamaludin, who holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from Canada’s McGill University, is one of the highly educated members of the Cabinet and thus, a lot is expected of him. They feel that he has a lot of good ideas and good intentions but delivery and execution have been poor. They would like to see more transparency in decision-making and that decisions are not politically motivated. Many of them, being passionate about science and technology, hate to see it take a back seat to political considerations. “Government agencies should not be seen as a tool to impress the prime minister,” writes one respondent. Another admonishes: “Don’t try to score political points by doing projects to employ thousands of Malaysians to do low-value work. Focus on moving up the value chain.”
Part of the problem in execution could be that while the leadership at the top may be visionary, middle management may not be up to the task of delivering on that vision. “He didn’t manage the machinery in a way that allowed the recruitment of the right people,” was the view of one respondent.
While a more capable middle management may be desired, many respondents also felt that part of the problem is that Jamaludin is too much of a micro-manager and would prefer him to focus on setting the agenda and monitoring progress but delegating the implementation to capable people rather than trying to get too involved. One respondent suggests that Jamaludin should not interfere too much in the running of agencies like MDeC, Biotech Corp, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation and others and would do well to cut them loose so that they can move at a faster pace. “Set the policy and push for results,” sums up one respondent. “Don’t be a control freak.”
Grant approval — hampered by bureaucracy
Commercialisation, start-up and research grants were topics close to the heart of many respondents. Most felt that grant approvals took too long and by the time they got the money, it was already too late. Being scientists and technologists, they have no patience with red tape and question the value-add that Mosti brings to grant disbursement. “It’s just another layer of bureaucracy at the moment,” writes one respondent. “And delay in disbursements only makes successful applicants suffer.” Another expressed disappointment that allocated funds were not fully disbursed in recent years, leading to a reduction in the amount of funds allocated for 2008.
Respondents also would like to see greater capability among the people tasked with assessing funding applications. Those sitting on the approval committee should have the requisite knowledge and track record to properly assess applications. That committee members have little understanding of industry was a common complaint. “The people in charge need to brush up on their domain knowledge,” says one respondent.
MDeC and Biotech Corp — progressing but need stronger middle management
MDeC and Biotech Corp are the two most important agencies driving the ICT and biotech agenda in the country and came up frequently during the survey. Many respondents felt that these agencies were headed by good leaders but at the same time, felt they were overstaffed and could benefit from a stronger middle-management layer. “MDeC is trying to reinvent itself and I think Jamaludin is the force behind this,” says one respondent.
Other comments and suggestions
Respondents who were university researchers also felt that they should be empowered to spend more time doing what they are meant to do — research. “University researchers are just too tied up with administrative work,” writes one respondent. Another would like to see small research grants given to all university students to inculcate the research spirit and also an elite core of research universities identified in both the public and private sectors. Another respondent proposes that funds be tied to performance and that universities that fail to deliver have their budgets reduced.
The respondent felt that IT had more in common with communications than science, and that these should be combined into an ICT ministry on its own — with the constituent parts extracted from both Mosti and the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications (KTAK). Another concurred, saying that a rationalisation exercise was in order. “There are just too many ministries and agencies that have duplicate functions — Mosti, KTAK, MoI (Ministry of Culture and Information), MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission). There has to be a rationalisation so that there is focus and efforts are properly managed.”
Some respondents felt that too much research was sitting underutilised with universities. To speed up commercialisation, one respondent suggests that a well-designed system be implemented that funnels research findings by scientists to entrepreneurs who can develop, market and sell products based on the research.
Some respondents also expressed discontent over perceived racial bias in grant disbursement and employment. Among the suggestions made: Grants be given to good research proposals regardless of race and lecturers and scientists employed based on merit.
One respondent also suggests that Malaysia make a greater effort to collaborate in science and technology with Asian countries instead of always looking to Europe and North America.
The subject of corruption over grants also arose during the survey, with some respondents expressing dismay over certain people who claim that they represent Jamaludin and can get grants. Such talk is demoralising and they urge the minister to forcefully deal with these people.
In a nutshell, Jamaludin is perceived as capable but has let politics sway his agenda. With technology and innovation becoming key components of almost all sectors of the economy, if the government is really serious about making ICT an economic pillar of the nation, it should take the bold step of giving the post to a top-class technocrat. See what the person can do in three years.
The Edge menuduh Menteri MOSTI ini sebagai seorang ahli politik, banyak memberikan tumpuan kepada politik berbanding pembangunan industri ICT, sains dan tekonlogi, walaupun agensi agensi dibawah MOSTI telah dirombak dengan beberapa perubahan progressif dan kemas kinikan kebelakangan ini. Ini termasuk membawa masuk professional Melayu seperti Dato’ Badlisham Ghazali, mantan CEO Hewlett Packard Malaysia untuk menerajui agensi terpenting dan strategik dalam pembangunan ICT Malaysia dan bertanggung jawab penuh menjayakan MSC, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC). Pelbagai grant baru juga diperkenalkan kearah pembangunan teknopreneur ICT ‘jati’ tempatan.
Juga lihat artikel ini dan ini. Kritikan artikel ini juga menarik untuk memahami lebih mendalam analisa bias The Edge ini.
Yang nyatanya, semenjak menjadi Menteri MOSTI hampir empat tahun lalu, banyak perubahan dan kejayaan telah berjaya dicapai. Paling terkemuka kejayaan bersejarah ditempa ialah apabila anak Malaysia pertama, Angkasawan Negara Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor berjaya dilancarkan keangkasa lepas dalam missi ISS XVI dengan kapal angkasa Soyuz TMA-11 pada 10 Oktober 2007. Kemudian, program Angkasawan ini akan diteruskan untuk dengan persedian strategik dan komprehensif latihan sebagai anak kapal missi.
Kejayaan membanggakan Astronautic Technology Sdn. Bhd., anak syarikat Khazanah Holdings yang berjaya menyelidik, membangunkan dan memberi peluang dan ruang agar saintis saintis aeroangkasa dan satelit orbital rendah, terutama dikalangan anak anak Melayu, kini sudah menempa kejayaan dan sejarah, semenjak satelit mikro Malaysia TiungSat dan RazakSat berjaya dilancarkan dan beroperasi di orbit.
Semenjak mengambil alih tampuk kepimpinan MOSTI juga, Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (MBC) telah diujudkan untuk membangunkan industri dan kajian pelbagai hasil semula jadi khazanah alam semula jadi negara. MBC telah berjaya menengahkan hasil hasil saintis dan usahawan Malaysia dalam bidang bioteknologi kepada pasaran Amerika Syarikat melalui penglibatan dalam expo bioteknologi Amerika Syarikat diChicago pada 2006 dan Boston, 2007.
Apakah ada ujud agenda tersirat The Edge Daily, menyiarkan artikel artikel yang kunun kunun memaparkan Menteri MOSTI Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis gagal, berserta dengan bancian yang dibuat dikalangan pemain dan professional industri sebagai modal analisa? Apakah mungkin akhbar niaga mingguan The Edge sendiri bersifat ‘tidak cenderung kepada Melayu’ aka berbaur sedikit ‘perkauman’, dengan nada kritis yang sengit terhadap Menteri MOSTI ini?
MOSTI dibawah kepimpinan Dr. Jamaluddin memang banyak memberikan tumpuan dan ruang bagi program program pembangunanya kepada saintis, usahawan dan teknopreneur dikalangan Melayu, termasuk program program khusus dan ini memang amat tidak disenangi oleh ramai usahawan dan teknopreneur Bukan Melayu dan antarabangsa yang berpengakalan dirantau ini, yang sememangnya mempunyai akses kepada modal dan penguasaan pasaran, terutama jaringan yang mantap sekitar rantau ini, China, Taiwan dan India. Mungkin ini yang dimaksudkan penulis artikel artikel dalam Net V@lue sebagai Menteri MOSTI terlalu bermain politik.
Mungkin, kerana The Edge sendiri hampir tiada kakitangan kewartawanan dan pengarangnya dari keturunan Melayu. Mungkin juga ada dikalangan mereka yang mampu ‘mempengaruhi’ haluan kewartawanan dan meja pengarang The Edge masih lagi enggan ‘memaafkan’, jauh sekali melupakan insiden Dato’ Seri Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis atas kesilapan ketelanjuran perkataan yang disalah fahamkan semasa lawatan ke Los Angeles awal Mei tahun lepas (selepas seorang pelajar Cal Poly menulis kepada akhbar politik portal Malaysiakini kerana Dr. Jamaluddin dikatakan ‘menghina’, dengan nada ‘perkauman’). Namun begitu, beberapa hari selepas itu, beliau telah memohon maaf, apabila berada di Boston.
Untuk rekod, Ketua Pengarang Kumpulan The Edge ialah Ho Kay Tat dan antara pemegang saham utamanya ialah usahawan hartanah Tan Sri Vincent Tan dan Tong Kooi Ong. Tong, pemilik Kumpulan Phileo Allied, merupakan satu personaliti korporat yang meningkat maju dan berjaya mengambil peluang sepenuhnya kerana keakraban beliau dengan mantan Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan Anwar Ibrahim sepertiga kedua dekad 1990an sepuluh tahun dahulu. Apakah analisa bias terhadap Menteri MOSTI ini adalah jajaran selepas syarikat ICT yang berpotensi besar dimana Vincent Tan melabur, iaitu MiTV Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (kini dikenali sebagai U Television Sdn. Bhd.), yang diberikan lesen penyiaran dan kini pembangunan perisian 3G Telco, gagal maju kehadapan?
Persoalan sekarang, Kumpulan The Edge Daily hanya membuat bancian pendangan professional terhadap MOSTI dan Menterinya dan tidak kepada Kementerian lain, termasuk Menteri Bukan Melayu dalam Kementerian yang banyak beriteraksi dengan professional dan usahawan teknologi, seperti Kementerian Kesihatan, Pengangkutan dan Tenaga, Air dan Kommunikasi.
Analisa bias The Edge ini satu hari akan mungkin membawa keburukan kepada akhbar niaga itu. Mungkin wartawan dan pengarang kumpulan akhbar itu sudah lupa kisah berkenaan saman RM 10 juta Tan Sri Vincent Tan keatas penulis MGG Pillai dan mantan pensyarah kanan kewangan terkenal Dr. Barjoyai Bardai lebih sedekad dahulu. Bagai bidalan lama Melayu, “Cakap siang, pandang pandang. Cakap malam, dengar dengar”. Kali ini, The Edge Daily ‘bercakap’, ramai yang ‘memandang’.
Selamat Menyambut Awal Tahun Hijrah, 1 Muharram 1429H.
- Commentary
on January 10, 2008 at 01:40 Comments (1)