Malaysia listens to the people — but how closely?
An evocative launch video welcomes opinions, provided they are “constructive and productive,” which in Malaysia is code for criticisms that begin and end with praise.
Hwok-Aun Lee, Asia Nikkei
Malaysia is embarking on a grand experiment as the writing of the government’s Transformasi Nasional 2050 document kicks into full swing.
This national transformation project, intended to chart Malaysia’s development for the three decades from 2020, promises a new mode of policymaking through myriad discussions, surveys and roadshows, culminating in a comprehensive policy document to be delivered in December.
It also reaches out specifically to young people, who are intended to be the principal audience and beneficiaries. Prime Minister Najib Razak has tapped Khairy Jamaluddin, the charismatic Minister of Youth and Sports, as chief organizer and ambassador.
The “government knows best” era is over, according to the project tagline. At the same time, political leaders have been intimately involved, rousing public sentiments at discussion sessions while canvassing for aspirations and ideas. With Malaysia’s 14th general election widely expected to be called this year, the TN50 process evidently plays a role in burnishing the ruling coalition’s popularity.
Undeniably, TN50 introduces a novel and potentially game-changing approach to policy. But will this exercise fulfill its promise of a “bottom-up” process that represents the voice of the people, or will it be a vehicle to publicly endorse the government’s wishes? The answer depends on a series of issues.
