Weak implementation and ineffective communication can lead the public to reject even the most well-intentioned government policies, Perikatan Nasional chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said today.
Speaking at a roundtable session on the Middle East crisis, the Terengganu menteri besar said the effectiveness of a policy should not be measured solely by whether it produces results.
“A good policy can fail if it is not implemented effectively, including in terms of delivery and explanation to the public,” he said in his opening speech.
Communication plays key role
Samsuri cited the poll tax introduced by former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, which eventually contributed to her downfall in 1990.
The poll tax was later replaced with a council tax following Thatcher’s resignation.
“Although the quantum was not very different, the council tax was considered fairer than the poll tax,” he said.
“In the end, the main issue was not solely the quantum of the tax but also how the message was communicated to the people,” he added.
Need for long-term national policies
Samsuri stressed that Malaysia must formulate long-term policies aimed at strengthening economic resilience while ensuring the country is not overly exposed to future global crises.
The roundtable session was attended by economists and professionals from various sectors, including Barjoyai Bardai, Firdaos Rosli, Afzanizam Rashid and Mazli Zakuan Noor.
