“Government Knows Best is over” implication
to Rakyat on Policy, Knowledge and
Connectivity (PKC)
“..Government
will never stop struggling until Malaysian can touch and feel the
transformation.”[1]
YAB
Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak
Introduction
At
the moment of April 4th in 2009, Prime Minister announces “The
day and age where government knows all and knows best is so long over”. Many
people cheers with applause and some of people view the statement pessimistically.
For example comment made by Lim Kit Siang undermined the commitment, stated
that the “principle has been forgotten by cabinet and bureaucracy”.[2] However, all of the
critiques were foul where "government knows best is over” really took
place in people hearts and minds and remarkably proved under the implementation
of Government Transformation Program (GTP), and Economic Transformation Program
(ETP),that managed by Performance Management Delivery Units (PEMANDU). All of
the roadmap under New Economic Model uses the new method which, were organized
and plan with highly involvement of citizens that came from various background.
As stated by Y.B Dato Mukhriz Tun Mahathir in a speech during his visit to one
of the public university on October, “It is irrational that we hope for the
different results while we are doing the same thing.”
Global
recognition on the “new method”
As a result today, Malaysia leaps to 12th position
most competitive economy in the world for doing business, rank 4th
in the world category of “protecting investors” and 1st position in
the world category of ease getting credit.[3] Malaysia also leader in
regional Global Peace index with the rank of 20th ahead of Singapore
(23), Taiwan (27) and Vietnam (34).[4]
In my opinion,
the implication of statement “governments knows best is over” can be classified
into three category of approach which include the level of 1) Participant Of rakyat in Policy, 2) upholding the
Knowledge base of rakyat 3) and
connectivity to rakyat. In short, the
implication can be simplified into, policy, knowledge and connectivity (PKC).
1) Participant
of Rakyat in National Policy
High Economic
performance
In my opinion, one of the biggest and most successful products
is the GTP and ETP. It empowers people participation and contribution to join
together to develop the nation. “People first, performance
now “have witness high levels of cooperation between private sector and public
sector with over thousand of people,194 MNCs, GLCs, SMEs, Ministry and
government agency to plan the roadmap of ETP [5].
All aim for one mission. Which is for Malaysia to be a high income nation, with
USD 15,000 GDP per capita on 2020 (in 2011 it was USD 9,700). [6] In
fact, during the GTP and ETP was launched in 2009, it was USD 6,700 only .[7] This
effort was led by Dato Seri Idris Jala and some said that they held meeting
until 5 am to plan the roadmap.[8]
This
noble effort would only be successful under great leadership. As being mention
by Sir Charles Masefield , Commonwealth partnership technology management , who
praise the Malaysia effort under GTP and ETP ” The key programmes success is that it is being led personally by the
Prime Minister, any programme like this, unless it is led by the top will not
be successful” [9].
When PM Najib once mentions that the government knows best is over,
he really “means it”. [10] The roadmap of GTP ,that was
as thick as 600 pages birth from wide involvement of expertise and figure include
academician, public servant, private sectors and come out with the strategy “Big,
Result, Fast”.[11] As a result of this effort, according to department of statistic and Bank
Negara, for 2011, the total private investment were RM94 billion is highest in
five years and Growth National Income (GNI)
were RM830 billion, highest achieved since independence. [12]
Roadmap of Education
Furthermore, the participation on government policy
from the rakyat witness in the Blueprint
of Education Strategy from 2013- 2025 was born. The strategies were being developed
from various stakeholders and expert, highlight 11 measures to propel Malaysia
education. The approach of the administration is groundbreaking, because it
involves people in many ways. It also involves NGOs and international body such
as UNESCO, World Bank, OECD and six local Universities. In the national
blueprint also we can observed that over 50,000 Ministry official, teachers,
principal, ordinary citizens were engaged via discussion, interview, surveys,
and National dialogue town hall to gather the needs of the people and for the
best solution. The ministry also appointed 12-members Malaysia of expert and 4
members of international expert to strengthen the findings.[13]
2) Knowledgeable rakyat will create knowledgeable
government.
“Government knows best policy is over” required people
wisdom and demand a society with knowledge and highly educated background. Knowledge
is power. On 1st April 2010, Prime Minister announces the
establishment of National Council of Professors that combines the intellect of
1,426 professors from all public higher learning institutions. The establishment
of the council, encourages scholars to provide input in the government effort
under the New Economic Model with the appointment of 14 head of cluster relate
to the area of specializations.[14] One of the Head of
Cluster is Prof Datuk Dr.Mohamed Mustafa Ishak in Security and International
Affairs.[15]
Furthermore, MyBrain15 scheme is also one of the
commitments of government to create more scholars in our country. MyBrain15 is aim
to have 60,000 Phd holders by 2023[16] with a very interesting
scholarship rewards. This is a part of effort to achieve vision 2020 as in Najib’s
speech “The three essential areas the country needs to improve on if it is to
achieve Vision 2020, are human, private and social capital.”[17]
In addition, as a continuation from previous
commitment toward education and training, governments allocate around 21% of
national budget 2013 on this matter. The focus is on developing infrastructure
and program from the early of preschool, until the higher education institutions.
For example, RM 1.2 billion are provided to improve preschool education for
KEMAS,PERMATA and to Ministry of Education[18]. In addition, to ensure
that the country does not left behind in term of nanotechnology, automotive,
aerospace, and biotechnology, in budget 2013 also, allocate RM 600 million for
the Research and Development (R& D) effort.[19]
3) Grassroots’ of Rakyat Connectivity
Government
and social media
In order to get closer to the people,
government have to speak the same language with the people. Therefore, most
government department nowadays also use Facebook to make a contact and get
opinion from the people for example MITI Facebook, Najib Razak Facebook
(currently have 1,228,964 likes on 20 November 2012), Tourism Malaysia and
almost all of cabinet Minister in Malaysia have facebook or twitter account.
Its represent that Najib’s administrations try to get the best from the people,
because people know best. On second
thought, this might be close to what the Athenian city state practice during
Socrates, Plato and Aristotle form of “direct democracy”[20]
(Mustafa& Afifi 2006). It is true that actually we don’t need Bersih 2.0 or
others street demonstration because government have been transparent enough in
allowing people to share their thought.
Civil
Service evaluation by people
The civil services also have been transformed to
enhanced involvement of the people ensuring improvement of the services. As
being stated by Deputy Prime Minister that “It is now time for us to rethink and reshape our institutional framework
to become a better and more resilient model to ensure the continued
sustainability of Malaysia’s growth,”[21]. As the impact of that,
we can observed in GTP , first time in history of Malaysia where people can
rate the performance of the police service by using Customer Service Rating
Machine that were equipped to 82 police station in Selangor.[22]
Direct opinions from rakyat on national budget.
When government knows best is over, they really mean
it .For instant, in the budget 2013, government welcome citizens of Malaysia to
contribute ideas on how the budget should be allocated. Before the Budget was announced by our PM, he ask Malaysian input in the
budget through www.1malaysia.com under the title “Budget 2013: I Want Your Views"
[23] . This, in my opinion, mark
the history of Malaysia that never be seen before.
Political
Transformation
With the aspiration of “people first, performance now”
the government are about to make transition from semi democracy to fully
democratic country under Malaysia style. The commitment on listening from the
roots can be observed in the repelled of the Internal Security Act (ISA), Home
Arrest act 1933,Banishment act 1959 [24], cancelation of Emergency
Proclamation Act[25],
forming a Peace Assembly Act[26],amendment of University
and College University Act of section 15 [27]and Printing Press and
publication Act 1984 [28]. This action creates more
room and space for better democracy in Malaysia.
Beside of change in rules and regulation, the
policies of the government nowadays are people oriented and friendly. On 24 November Himpunan
Barisan 1Malaysia that invite 1,500 gather NGOs and civil society and with
the expectation of 5,000 people are attending. It is also one of the platforms
made by the government under this policy. “It becomes the bridge from
government to the people” said Datuk Ahmad Maslan secretariat chairman of the
mega gathering.[29]
Conclusion
The
days of government knows best is over indeed. The implication can be observed in
term of “Policy, Knowledge and Connectivity” (PKC). Everyone in the country was
given a chance of their voice to be heard. The approach of Najib’s
administration made Malaysia happier and in fact, we are the 8th
happiest country in the world.[30] The
government are giving more space and opportunity for Malaysian to express their
thought and opinion as a feedback for government performance. However, we as
responsible citizens must not abuse the right that have been given to us. We
must not express our thought in violence way without even thinking of the
consequence. As responsible citizens also, we should be grateful and proud of
our nation and not perceived our own country pessimistically. If we want the
world to change, we must be the change.
References
[1] GTP: Gov't to focus on swift delivery ,Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun
Abdul Razak.[video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJqf7LTzJcM [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[2]Muhyiddin – honour Najib’s pledge that “The era where the
government knows best is over” and allow parents the choice to retain the
policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English for their children,blog
lim kit Siang, [internet] http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2009/08/09/muhyiddin-%E2%80%93-honour-najib%E2%80%99s-pledge-that-%E2%80%9Cthe-era-where-the-government-knows-best-is-over%E2%80%9D-and-allow-parents-the-choice-to-retain-the-policy-of-teaching-science-and-math/ [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[3] Media Statement : by Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of
International Trade and Industry, Malaysia leaps to 12th position in World
Bank’s Doing Business 2013 [internet ] http://www.miti.gov.my/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_8b2d5681-c0a81573-1eda1eda-93125dd6 [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[4] Malaysia Slips in 2012 Global Peace Index, [internet] http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=215285&Itemid=77, [accessed on 20 Nov.
2012]
[5] ETP Overview,24 September 2010,Economic Transformation
programme,Open Day,keynote Address, YB Senator Dato seri Idris Jala, CEO of
PEMANDU in Prime Minister Department.[internet]
[6] Ibid
[7] A BETTER MALAYSIA, NST online, 2 April 2012,[internet] http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/a-better-malaysia-1.69956#ixzz1qtqj9Wsp [accessed on 23 November 2012]
[9] Mazwin Nik Anis,2011, Najib’s GTP and ETP lauded, The star,22
June 2011.
http://blis2.bernama.com.eserv.uum.edu.my/mainHomeBypass.do [ accessed on 20 November
2012]
[10] PEMANDU annual Report 2011 , http://www.pemandu.gov.my/gtp/annualreport2011/pdf/pemandu_ar2011.pdf [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[11] Dato Seri Idris Jala,
Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) ,YouTube, [video] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzgP1qFvDpY [accessed on 20 November 2012 ]
[12] Dato Seri Idris Jala ETP Turns one Livestream Presentation by Dato' Sri Idris
Jala [video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qm38SXn2Gc [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[13] Preliminary Report , Malaysia Education Blueprint, 2013-2025, http://hornbillunleashed.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/preliminary-blueprint-english.pdf [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[14] Najib Tun Razak (2010), Charting Malaysia’s
Transformation,Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia, January 2011.page 81. Printed by
Percetakan Zainon Kassim Sdn.Bhd.
[15] Utusan Online, 26 July 2012, Keputusan berdasarkan hasil kajian ilmiah, [internet] http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Politik/20120726/po_07/Keputusan-berdasarkan-hasil-kajian-ilmiah [22 November 2012]
[16] News Straits Times, 2012,MyBrain15 upgraded to woo more
applicants,
NST,http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mybrain15-upgraded-to-woo-more-applicants-1.146818
[accessed on 21 November 2012.]
[17] Najib Tun Razak, Charting Malaysia’s Transformation,Jabatan
Penerangan Malaysia Januari 2011.page 116
[18] Bernama, 2012, Budget 2013: RM1.2bil to provide quality pre-school education, The Star Online, 28 September 2012,[internet] http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?sec=budget&file=/2012/9/28/budget/20120928200658 [accessed on 22 November 2012]
[19] Budget 2013: Tax breaks,
affordable housing and cash for the needy, The Star, 28 September 2012,
[internet] http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/28/nation/20120928161303&sec=nation [accessed on 23 November 2012]
[20] Mustafa Ishak & Afifi Abdul Razak (2006). Politik dan Pemerintahan Negara, Thomson
Learning Pte Ltd. Printed in Malaysia. (page 12)
[21] Shaun Ho ,2010, DPM to civil servants: Era of government knows
best is over, The Star, [internet] http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/30/nation/20101130165448&sec=nation [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[22] PEMANDU annual report 2011, Prime Minister Department, [internet]
http://www.pemandu.gov.my/gtp/annualreport2011/pdf/pemandu_ar2011.pdf [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[23] Budget 2013: I want your views , 1Malaysia, The personal website
of Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak, http://1malaysia.com.my/blog/budget-2013-i-want-your-views/ last access on 20 Nov. 12.
[24] Utusan ,2011, Mansuh Akta Buang Negeri 1959 kerana tidak relevan,
Utusan Online, [internet] http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=1006&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_02.htm, [accessed on 20 November 2012]
[25]Ibid.
[26] Shad Saleem Faruqi,2012, Learn more about new Assembly Act, The
Star, Wednesday June 27, 2012, [internet] http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2012/6/27/columnists/reflectingonthelaw/11552419&sec=reflectingonthelaw, [ accessed on 20 November 2012]
[27] Mohd. Asron Mustapha ,2011, , Seksyen 15 AUKU akan dipinda, Utusan Online, [internet] http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=1125&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm, [accessed on 20 November2012]
[28]MStar,2012, Mahathir
Comment on the abolished of Press and
Publication Act in Rakyat Malaysia
Diharap Lebih Matang, Tidak Perjudi Keselamatan Negara, September 21, 2011,
http://www.mstar.com.my/cerita.asp?sec=mstar_berita&file=/2011/9/21/mstar_berita/20110921170129 [accessed on 20 November
12.]
[29] New Straits Times ,General : Gathering of NGOs, social groups on
Nov 24 12 November 2012, NST online
[internet] http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/gathering-of-ngos-social-groups-on-nov-24-1.170272#ixzz2C [accessed on 20 November 12.]
[30] BERNAMA., 2012. General:
Malaysia 8th happiest country, NST Online [internet],Available at: http://www.nst.com.my/latest/malaysia-8th-happiest-country-1.173535 [accessed on 20 November 12]
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