Interning under one of Malaysia's most influential man

By Ady Faizal

 

 

Ever thought of doing an internship under a minister? You might want to look at the Perdana Fellows Programme, an initiative by the government where selected individuals will serve as executive interns to cabinet ministers like Datuk Seri Idris Jala, the CEO of PEMANDU (Performance Management Delivery Unit).

Idris, who is also The CEO of PEMANDU (Performance Management Delivery Unit) has been listed in the 50 Most Influential list by Bloomberg Markets. Idris has made it easier for foreign investors to do business in Malaysia as he shapes the economic policy intended to aid our country.

 

Speaking with 21 year old University of Michigan actuarial science major Ahmad Fikri bin Ahmad Fisal, he reveals that the internship was both challenging yet enlightening. Here are his thoughts while on his internship with Idris.

 

So what made you decide to enrol yourself into the Perdana Fellows Programme?

Just like my peers of this generation, I love to air my views. Both praises and criticisms on social media in matters of national government. But by being “armchair critics” if you may, our views are skewed since we are not involved in public administration.  So I decided to join because I want to feel the real feel of governing the nation, to understand the real challenges faced. I want to help better the country, by doing something about it, rather than typing about it.

 

What was your first impression when you received the news that you’ve been assigned under PEMANDU?

I thought that I would be assigned to work with the Rural Development Ministry or Home Ministry judging from the essay I submitted. I wouldn’t say I was surprised when I found out I’ve been assigned to PEMANDU, but more excited. The realisation that I get to work directly under Idris and be at the forefront of the National Transformation Programme honestly excited me a lot.

 

Talking about Idris Jala, how did it feel like to be able to work closely under him?

I know about Idris since he was brought in to Malaysia Airlines and later PEMANDU. I have heard many voices of both positive and negative views attributed to him. Regardless, he is a very notable and acclaimed individual. So, I feel really lucky in fact to be able to associate myself with a man of such profoundness.

 

Can you describe more about Idris Jala as a person?

If you ask me to describe him in three adjectives, I would choose humble, practical, and knowledgeable. If you observe him often enough, you never fail to see these three qualities emanated especially during any meeting. He doesn’t like high-level theories or data that would not be comprehensible by normal people. He would always ask the presenter to “bring it down from 10,000 ft to 3 ft level.” This way, everyone in the room understands the situation well.

 

Second, he is very knowledgeable about many things; fun facts, annual budget deficits, history and many more. One time I was presenting to him on Peru and he even added on more facts on top what I presented to the room. Yet, he is very humble. He would always ask for views from other people including interns like myself. He would take his time to entertain anyone as best as he can. For me, it is really amazing to see him so engaged in every meeting he has (which is a lot mind you), and respond with comments and suggestions after that.

 

You said you did a presentation to him about Peru. Is that one of many assignments you were required to do?

Yes. PEMANDU runs as a very professional corporation so they treat you with a high level of professionalism. I was trusted with many kinds of assignments not only for Idris but for the other departments within PEMANDU as well.  I particularly enjoy briefing Idris before a meeting though I was really nervous the first time.

 

You said that you enjoy briefing Idris before a meeting, what about it that you like about?

First, I get to know what’s happening in the government and that is really fulfilling to me. Besides that, I get to choose which points that should be highlighted to him. That is really an important skill that I developed. I get to learn on how to give an impactful presentation by not only providing facts but also the “so-what?” Lastly, how often can you present to a minister?

 

What would be the most interesting interaction you had with him?

Idris loves to use analogies and stories to convey his point. I would say the conversation when he shared regarding his humble origins from Bario (which still has no electricity) and how he worked hard to advance in his life regardless of the obstacles to where he is now. Particularly on how he collected old batteries and created a functioning lamp so that he could study at night.

 

During your time of interning under him, what would be the most valuable experience you’ve learnt?

As a person interning for PEMANDU, I learnt that criticising is always easier than actually trying to do something about it. As a person interning for Idris, I learnt that no matter what people say about you, just keep doing on what you’re supposed to do and maybe on one miraculous day the light will reach those people too.

 

Lastly, what would your advice be to Taylor’s students who are interested in working in the government sector or enrolling themselves in the Perdana Fellowship Program?

I would say apply and go for it! I had my reservations of joining this program because of the negative assumption towards the ways of the government but I know better now, I will also provide a disclaimer that this program is in no way a political program. Regardless of your political affiliations, you are absolutely welcomed and encouraged in fact to join this programme so that you can understand public governance better and also contribute in improving it. This is more fulfilling thing to do than just typing about it.

 

Thank you so much for your time Fikri, is there anything you would like to add before we end this interview?

I believe that the nation is on the right track to improve itself. We as Malaysians should be less pessimistic about it. Believe it or not, the government is trying its best. Whatever it is, let’s together build a better Malaysia for our future.