SHAH ALAM - It is normal for politicians to want to become the Prime Minister, but the real test of leadership is how they use and share power after taking office, says Subang MP Wong Chen.
He was responding to remarks by former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who had reportedly described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as being "obsessed" with becoming Prime Minister in a podcast discussion.
Wong said political ambition should not be viewed negatively, stressing that it is common for elected representatives to aspire to lead the country.
"Every Member of Parliament dreams of becoming the Prime Minister. Are we all obsessed? I don’t think so," he told Sinar Daily in an upcoming episode of Fireside Chat.
Instead, he said the focus should shift towards governance reforms once power is obtained.
"The big question is, after you achieve that power, what will you do with the power?" he said.
He added that leaders who believe in reforms should focus on strengthening institutions rather than retaining power for themselves.
"If you become Prime Minister one day, you should cede your powers," he said.
Wong said Malaysia should move towards a stronger parliamentary democracy by reducing executive dominance over key state institutions.
He argued that several powers accumulated during earlier administrations should be reviewed.
"All these powers were accumulated during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's time. We have to bring back assembly democracy," he said.
He said parliamentary oversight should extend to key national appointments.
"You cannot be involved in the appointment of judicial bodies, the Attorney-General, Auditor General and others without a proper parliamentary vetting process," he said.
Finance Minister role should be separated
Wong also weighed in on debates over whether the Prime Minister should simultaneously hold the Finance Minister portfolio.
He said the arrangement creates governance risks.
"You don’t go to any company in the world where the chief executive officer is also the chief financial officer. These are very basic principles," he said.
While acknowledging that the decision ultimately lies with the Cabinet and Prime Minister, he suggested the arrangement was likely linked to early political stability considerations.
In the early days, perhaps the Prime Minister felt he had more experience as Finance Minister.
"After the first two years, when stability was clear, it was time to give it away to someone else. No organisation can prosper like this.
"The Prime Minister is already overworked. It is time to give up that post," he said.