We have heard many times Pakatan Harapan’s performance was found wanting for reason of “inexperience” among its Cabinet members. But is this really true?

Let’s look at the important portfolios in the Cabinet; are they really helmed by inexperienced ministers? Are Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Lim Guan Eng, Azmin Ali or Muhyiddin Yassin inexperienced? Are they not old hands in politics and government?

In other countries when governments change hands, do incoming presidents, prime ministers and ministers always have the experience in running a government?

Did Donald Trump or Theresa May have the experience as US president or prime minister of UK? Do their Cabinet members have ministerial experience?

If we have politicians who know how to fight and win elections, what “inexperience” are we talking about here? Surely, they can’t be greenhorns to be overwhelmed by the civil service and the people at large. Surely, they must have the faculty and tenacity to formulate and implement what they deem suitable and beneficial for the country and its people.

I am afraid postulating “inexperience among Cabinet members” is a wrong diagnosis for the ineptitude of the PH government.

I think the biggest culprits are politicking, stubbornness, parochialism, the influence of vested interests and incompetence. These are problems associated with attitude — not lack of experience.

Let’s face it; I don’t think we can teach an inept person by giving him more time. Similarly, problems associated with vested interests, stubbornness, parochialism and politicking are not something which can be overcome by giving more time or experience. I think all this is just a red herring.

Lack of experience to act is different from not wanting to act out of selfish reasons. Not knowing how to do it is very different from not wanting to do it.

Not knowing how to do the right things is very different from being influenced to do the wrong things.

As I see it, the lack of efficacy of the PH government is not due to a lack of experience per se. It is more due to infighting, politicking, the influence of vested interests and sheer stubbornness of certain leaders believing in their own infallibility and baloney.

It is time for PH to reverse course and go back to the rationality, unity and solidarity they forged before the 14th general election, failing which they can kiss goodbye to the promised reforms and good governance that the people are yearning for.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.