LETTERS: The political climate in Malaysia has improved somewhat after the forming of a new government under the administration of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia's ninth prime minister.
Recently, the government tabled the 12th Malaysia Plan in Parliament. The policy's content is viewed as comprehensive, encompassing all levels of society and the economic sector.
However, other parties view the policy as just continuing unachieved agendas from the 11th Malaysia Plan and speculated that elections will be held next year.
If that's the case, the present government must demonstrate that all promises and policies formulated are being implemented successfully and without leakages that erode public faith and legitimacy in the government.
The policy implementation phase is critical and should be given extensive attention. The period allocated to govern the country is different from the past when the previous government was allowed approximately four to five years to demonstrate encouraging accomplishments.
This approximately one-year period should be used to the fullest extent possible to win the people's hearts. People's grievances must be addressed as the public is continually analysing the administration that will help them decide who to vote next.
Currently, the vaccination rate is at a satisfactory level. However, the current government's actions must be visible so that the vaccination of the people can be hastened, particularly in states where vaccination rates remain low.
The government must be committed to combating all sorts of critical issues, be it water, the people's mental health, and unemployment, among others, that require rapid action. When appropriately handled, public trust in the government will be restored.
A good government respects the people's thoughts and opinions. Individuals who believe their ideas are acknowledged will be ready to collaborate to realise the ambitions they have formed. The government must increase access and chances for citizens to express their views and opinions.
The "brain drain" phenomenon must be addressed effectively too. Malaysians with expertise living overseas must be persuaded to return home and serve in think tanks to uplift the country for the long term.
Any accomplishments and efforts made by the government must be communicated to the public using simple-to-understand channels. The transmission of information about the government's triumphs and efforts must be modulated frequently and reach the hands of the people.
A stable government places the people at the top of the totem pole. However, for the country to move forward, the people must use this opportunity to carry out their responsibilities within the established norms, arm themselves with correct information and continue to participate positively in activities for the benefit of the country.
Mohd Rozaimy Ridzuan
Lecturer
UiTM Pahang Branch, Raub Campus
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times