Two major GLCs made a major reshuffling to their top position this week.
On Monday, it was announced that Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin as the new CEO for Petronas to replace Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas.
Today, a news report claimed Dr Emir Mavani will leave Felda Global Ventures Berhad (FGV) and be replaced by Tan Sri Ismee Ismail from Tabung Haji.
Finally it happened. By right, both Shamsul and Emir shouldn't have been there in the first place.
Petronas
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| Tan Sri Shamsul Abas |
That served as confirmation certaib accusation by certain parties that he discriminated against Malays, instead of being rational in his preference for outsiders, particularly Shell, to fill up top positions in Petronas.
There was allegations that he systematically pressured Petronas executives and engineers to resign in order to make way for outsider to takeover. This was said to have resulted in an exodus of staff abroad.
However, Petronas officials denied such occurence and claimed that the so-called wave of resignations were not protest but normal attrition to greener pasture.
Shamsul was faulted as discriminating Bumiputera and Malaysian contractors in favour of foreign contractors. Groups like MTEM had been vocal on this matter. However, certain MTEM personality had been devious in their engagement with Petronas.
In an engagement between Petronas and an NGO, in which we were present, a lengthy explanation was given and it seemed to the contrary, at least at the surface. They claimed some contracts are just beyond the capability of locals.
Whilst, some of the existing Bumiputera contractors have been too complacent and reluctant to up-grade themselves. Seldom is the case in which they are too comfortable as go-between traders between their foreign principal and Petronas. As a result, they get left out when industry requirement was raised.
When appointed CEO in 2010, Shamsul had already retired for few months and was called back.
The negative image on Shamsul was his on doing. In the first week of his appointment, he raised eyebrow of bloggers for hiring former PKR official, Sheryl Stochard.
Where Tan Sri Hasan Merican resisted, it was Shamsul that obligingly brought in the controversial Dato Omar Ong as member of the Board of Director.
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| Dato Wan Zulkiflee |
A better choice then would have been Wan Zul.
Now 54, Wan Zul should have been CEO at 50. By now, he would have acquired the experience as CEO to better take Petronas to higher level. The news report on Wan Zul appointment here.
FGV
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| Tan Sri Ismee Ismail |
The Star Saturday reported that Tan Sri Ismee Ismail of Tabung Haji is expected to takeover as CEO of FGV.
This dispell the earlier rumour that the ANSARA Seremban boy with family roots to Mukim Bagan, Batu Pahat is due to takeover the helm of PNB [Read here].
Thus far, there have not been much controversy of this former banker said to be the trusted circle of corporate boys to Dato Najib.
The Pemandu implanted Dr Emir Mavani Abdullah will end his contract in July. At Pemandu, he was in charge of the sector for oil and gas.
It came as a surprise when he was appointed as CEO of oil palm based FGV. Where oil and gas involved extracting from few thousand feet underground, palm oil is extracted from above ground fruits of oil palm trees.
There was also noises on the accredition of his doctoral degree.
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| A roti canai seller impersonating Emir |
Since becoming CEO, he has landed in many controversial and questionable deals like the acquisition of Pontian estate in Sabah, questionable discounts to supply palm oil to China, acquisition of palm oil plantation in Papua New Guinea, and many other acquisitions [Search in Big Dog here].
There was even the suspicion that kickback had taken place. And, this was the very fear instilled by PAS instigated ANAK and one corrupt former Felda DG that opposed FGV's listing. Many that fought tooth and nail for the listing was disappointed with his appointment.
Few seasoned planters had privately express dismay at Emir Mavani's acquisitions. He was made a laughing stock for not knowing the choicest place to acquire oil palm plantations. He should have gone for Sumatra, Indonesia where the soil and sunlight is the best!
In his blog posting here, Dato Kadir Jasin made the following comment on FGV below:
9. Tidak percaya tanyalah peneroka Felda atau sesiapa saja yang melabur dalam saham Felda Global Ventures Berhad. Bukankah harga saham FGVB telah merosot daripada harga IPO RM4.55 pada tahun 2012 kepada RM2.18 pada 9 Jan, kejatuhan lebih 50 peratus?
This drop in FGV shares is a potential political timebomb and Emir just have to go. He had to leave after hardly two years in that position.
It either proves his incompetence or he is to return to oil and gas. It is said that Dato Idris Jala will be given a golden handshake upon expiration of his senatorship and minister post to lead an oil and gas outfit. Emir may join that outfit. That has to be confirmed.The changes at least is a comfort that Dato Najib do hear the growling on the ground and willing to do some firing. It is heard that there is more to come. If only he attempted to get feedback first before making his appointments, much mistakes could be avoided.
There are many strength of Dato Najb that is not known by the public but not allowed to be made known. His deft touch abroad has placed Malaysia in strategic position and generate revenues for the country. His domestic situation is different.
One major weakness of Najib is in the area of appointing right people into the right job and to fit with the right situation. Dato Najib has much to learn. He does not surround himself with people of respect and calibre as Tun Mahathir. We know, we know ... you gonna say Tun kept failing to pick the right successor.
A foregone perception of Dato Najib is that he is incapable to be a Donald Trump to say, "You are fired!" to the incompetent ones. It made the incompetents more complacent and bold. That list of incompetents in his government, party and office is growing long by the day and cost the IRD's money.