The policy U-turns in Malaysia over the years have contributed to a decrease in public confidence in the government, as highlighted by independent political analyst Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani. An example of this is the low number of registrations for PADU, Malaysia’s central data hub intended for collecting income data of all citizens to facilitate targeted government subsidies. Initially, the government aimed for 29 million voluntary registrations by a deadline of March 31, but due to slow sign-ups, cybersecurity concerns, and a trust deficit, the target was reduced to 11 million.
During the COVID-19 pandemic under former premier Muhyiddin Yassin, there were perceived flip-flops in regulations that led to public frustration. This included changing guidelines for work-from-home and the products that grocery and convenience stores could sell during lockdowns. These constant reversals created a perception of inconsistency in policy execution and transparency, impacting public confidence in digitalization efforts, as noted by Prof Said Bani. The reactive approach to U-turns can suggest a lack of coordination and clarity in the government’s policymaking process, making the public question the diligence and planning behind policy decisions.
The underlying issue in these policy reversals, according to Dr Ong, is a lack of hands-on and minds-on approach from policymakers during the design and execution phases. Policymakers should conduct proof of concepts, pilot projects, and stress testing before implementing policies that could have a significant impact on a large number of users. Mr Asrul Hadi emphasized that Malaysian administrations have often failed to effectively translate grand blueprints into actionable plans for civil servants, leading to unsatisfactory policy implementation. There is also criticism regarding the lack of engagement with industry and the public, resulting in inadequate foresight on potential backlash and the need for policy reversals.
The recent policy reversals, such as MyDigital ID, have reinforced the perception among the public that the current Anwar administration is not different from previous governments, as noted by Mr Asrul Hadi. The lack of trust in federal programs and policies is a direct result of these reversals, further eroding public confidence in the government. The slow uptake of PADU registrations and cybersecurity concerns are indicative of the widening trust deficit between the government and its citizens. The public may question the government’s commitment to comprehensive planning and coordination in policymaking, especially when policies are introduced and then promptly reversed.
In conclusion, Malaysia’s history of policy U-turns has had a detrimental impact on public confidence in the government, particularly during critical times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The inconsistent execution of policies, lack of foresight, and limited engagement with stakeholders have all contributed to the perception of an ineffective policymaking process. Moving forward, it is essential for policymakers to adopt a more hands-on approach, prioritize pilot projects and stress testing, and actively engage with the public and industry stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of policies without the need for frequent reversals. Only through these measures can Malaysia regain the trust and confidence of its citizens in government initiatives and programs.
