Higher Education and in 2013 took the reins of
Chief Minister of Malacca.
3Es Approach
As an engineer, Datuk Seri Idris Haron
acknowledges that his training has helped him in
problem solving and decision making. “ I use the
3Es approach”, he reveals, referring to Education,
Engineering and Enforcement. On the engineering
approach, he studies systems and structures, and
decides “what to do” and “how to do it”. Then he
monitors the progress and the resources needed
to do the job. However, he adds that facts and
figures are not enough when dealing with people
because emotions come into play. One has to
“balance the art and science”, notably using soft
skills of communication and public relations.
Dato’ Fong Tian Yong and Dato’ Ali Askar
(BEM Publication Committee members) tapped
his views on topics such as waste management,
one-stop centre and toilet culture. According to
the Chief Minister, new rubbish dumps sites in
Malacca which are supposed to have a lifespan
of five years only last 12 months. He says this is
due to poor management and lack of education
on segregating rubbish. Recognising the growing
problem, Datuk Seri Idris Haron is in support of
incineration and is willing to set up an incineration
plant in the state.
The Chief Minister says that one-stop centre
(OSC) shows the Government is serious in
expediting processes and maximising productivity.
He believes this has limited scope for malpractices
but there is still room for improvement. On public
toilets, he praises those along the PLUS highway
but laments the poor condition in other areas. His
technical advice is to follow best practices from
Thailand involving ventilation, fragrant detergents
and powerful flush tank pumps.
Career Choice
Why did he choose politics instead of an
engineering career? “I believe that I was to born
in this world to bring about changes. We are the
master of our own destiny. Whether as engineer,
politician or person, I want my presence to be felt
within the area of my influence,” he replies.
Datuk Seri Idris Haron acknowledges that the
present Chief Minister post is very challenging
because his predecessor Tan Sri Ali Rastam
had developed Malacca extensively. The state
with a population of only 852,000 in 2013
has achieved a per capita average growth of
US$8987, close to 5% in the last seven years.
As a Unesco World Heritage city, Malacca has a
thriving tourism sector which attracted 15 million
tourists in 2014. Investment in the manufacturing
sector has also been on the uptrend. According
to Malaysia Investment Development Authority
(MIDA) , approved investment increased to RM6.2
billion in January-June 2015. Renowned foreign
companies such as Texas Instruments, Panasonic
Refrigeration, Ansell, AUO Sunpower, Recron and
Infineon Technologies have set up factories in the
state.
Changing Mindsets
Datuk Seri Idris Haron intends to make a
difference under Phase 2 of the Progressive
Malacca Plan with emphasis on quality standards
as well as economic growth. He notes the need
to change mindsets towards quality to attain
delivery of first class service and products as well
as living environment. His vision is to first raise
Malacca's quality of products and services to the
highest possible level, exceeding the expectations
of customers who comprise investors, tourists
and the people in the state. Above this, he looks
at sustainability in systems to ensure that quality
standards are consistently met. To him, quality
also extends to establishing a clean, comfortable
and conducive environment for all to invest, work,
live and play.
The Chief Minister wants to spur more
economic growth with foreign investment. Although
a small state, Malacca boasts many advantages
to investors. Good location, easy accessibility and
lower land cost are key attractions. Datuk Seri Idris
Haron revealed that a big boost will be coming
from China, notably investments from Guangdong
Province. An MOU with the Guangdong Governor
will be signed on trade, investment and tourism.
Datuk Seri Idris Haron relates this to the revival of
the glory days of Malacca when Admiral Cheng Ho
arrived 600 years ago, accelerated trade ties and
made Malacca the “Venice of the East”.
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