Shahrir Samad, member of parliament for Johor Baru and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister from March 2008 to March 2009 is a popular MP and recognised as a ‘class act’ by people on both sides of the political fence.

His presence as head of the Backbencher's Club made him a recognised political face. His selection into the cabinet as the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister showed that he could handle political and economic challenges.

His recent resignation from the cabinet after the Umno elections again showed that he is a ‘class act’.

This is the kind of person that Malaysia needs in government and one hopes that more wakil rakyat like him can be identified and trained.

Shahrir has recently indicated that he would work with the government if requested by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

I would like to suggest that Shahrir be given the task of spearheading improvements to public transportation throughout Malaysia.

Shahrir could be given the post as the first chair of the National Public Transport Commission/ Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD), leading the task force to revamp and improve public transport planning.

This to make it more effective, competent, transparent and open, and accountable to the rakyat .

Alternatively, Shahrir could be selected as the head of a non-partisan Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Transport - to work with wakil rakyat of all political stripes to oversee public transport services in Malaysia.

In this way, he can continue to be of service to Malaysia and the Malaysian people not only as MP of Johor Baru, but in a position that merits his skills and experience.