COMMENT | Durians, like government MPs, are high in demand and low in supply. Because of the 60 percent drop in production yield, durian prices have gone up. The Malaysian favourite, Musang King, is now selling for up to RM96 per kilogramme. But MPs are more expensive; they are allegedly valued at RM30 million - 312,500 times more than a Musang King.

A few opposition MPs have lodged police reports after receiving WhatsApp messages from an anonymous messenger, asking if the recipient was willing to fill up the recently vacated ministerial positions. The alleged offer was the position, plus “Durian RM30”, guesstimated to mean RM30 million in cash, given the context.

Regardless of the veracity, validity, or sincerity of the offer, it is worth exploring the idea of whether using positions and money actually guarantee quality and loyalty - two of the primary concerns for any government.

My argument is that it does not. Instead, enticement of money and positions of this nature actually worsen quality and loyalty; making incoming ministers more likely to be incompetent and disloyal.

Why does money produce bad quality?

First, money does not equate to satisfaction. Having an open call, without interviews or assessment, and immediate payment meant...