15/10/11 JUST BE HONEST

My appointment should be by 0830 hours. I texted him on the appointment at about 0802hrs and was shock to have his reply instancely that he was already at the lobby. I just then rushed down and invited him for breakfast. We start with a talk on the general Sarawak political scenario, particularly will Taib Mahmud step down as he promised. My answer to that was rather simple.

(2) As the CEO of one of the nation biggest GLC, ie Sime Darby Bhd (SD), sure when Bakke (Datuk) probed me with such a question must have something to do with his intend to seek or reaffirm the investment climate stability that Sarawak could offer, especfially when Taib had announced his retiring intent. Thus I painted him a scenarios that firstly, Taib has to make sure that Sarawak political stability must remain intact upon his retirement. We can't be having a scenarios just like when Abdullah Badawi took over from Mahathir. Taib surely have learnt that. Secondly, Taib want to make Sarawak the richest State in Malaysia by 2030. SCORE is his vehicle. He must make sure such and intent and momentum be sustain. To me these are the two that matter most to Taib to be certain to retire. failing which, I believe people in the State just would love to see him leading a head for the better.

(3) Later we talked about the possible business expansion that SD could undertake in Sarawak in the very near future. Both of us then laid down the working arrangement that should both side undertake to realise such an intent. I know it would be though due to the black dot, nonetheless sometime worth to have a second try.

(4) After finishing a cup of coffee, and upon second refilling, both of us then talked about personal working philosophy. At this level, since personally we don't know each others, I believe it is great to touch more on philosophical matters. The talk started from the mistake that SD had previously incurred.

(5) He dressed very casually. He didn't have that expensive watch, handphone or ring. Really simple and casual. So do I, more of a cowboy, the jean and square pattern shirt. We sat at the non-aircon corner of the Cafe. Both of us, just took simple food, and coffee. Firstly he said: I just want to work for the Company. I don't have shares in any Companies related to those that I headed. I just managed my income to the level that it could just give some safety to my small families. I don't allow my families to stand bewteen me and my work. At this age, I don't need those big moneys. I believe serving the society to the best is much rewarding. Sound like we are on equal philosophy. I'm glad at least, Datuk Bakke the CEO of Sime Darby Bhd, apart from Tan Sri Hassan Marican and Tan Sri Lee of IOI that I have met, are real down to earth people that just work for the good of the Nation. These are the people that continue to strengthen my believe in sacrificing the most to earn the best.

(6) I hope, more high profile Malaysians are just like them, and I wish to work with these type of people. To me it is very important that we are truely discharge from all sort of personal interest when we are handling public interest. Though IOI is a private entity, where Tan Sri Lee is the majority shareholder, but still he has to be accountable to all his other public shareholders such as EPF, LATM, PNB etc.

KLIA, Kuala Lumpur
23 Oct., 2011