There can be no faith in government if our highest offices are excused from scrutiny — they should be setting the example of transparency.
– Edward Snowden, American former computer intelligence consultant
One bad move and you’re done – that’s how it is in today’s politics.
The overwhelming pressure to get everything right and please everyone is fast becoming an Achilles heel for those in politics.
Even more so for first time government lawmakers, whose previous stint in the opposition saw less in the way of public scrutiny, condemnation and public pressure.
Talk is cheap – to oppose, criticise and point out mistakes is easy. Just go to any comment sections on social media.
Everyone can be heard – that’s the premise of social media. Everyone thinks they’re right and everyone is a self-claimed expert, of sorts.
Armchair critics are aplenty but then again when some are lucky enough to be in a position to make meaningful change, to literally walk the talk and put their money where they mouth is, they faltered.
And with anything that is on the internet, it will stay. People remember, the social media remembers, the netizens remember.
It’s becoming a political tool – the phenomena that we are experiencing. Some say they are drawing the line for political correctness and others view them as being spoiled brats or “snowflakes” to quote an internet lingo.
To his credit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s public relations (PR) team has done everything right, they have leveraged on public sentiments to full effect, I might add.
The days where the larger-than-life political figure went to the ground to an overwhelming reception is fully documented.
As far as the internet is concerned, the tenth prime minister’s popularity is unlike anything they have ever seen before.
But then again, as the term “honeymoon period” is drawing to a close and the initial “feel-good factor” is rapidly diminishing, it is time that the government went to work.
Results are what the public are interested in and they want it soon. That is par for the course with expectations at an all-time high for the prime minister.
All this while, Anwar has tried to do everything right – starting with the dressed down suit sans tie, which portrays an administration that is more approachable and friendly to the working class.
Appearances matter – this calculated move paid dividends to the PR team and the administration. Nowadays, we’re seeing lawmakers ditching the suit and tie entirely, going to official engagements with a more dressed down attire.
It may be insignificant, but then again, public perception is important and this is a political statement.
This, can be controlled. But what could not be completely controlled is internal politics within the administration.
Anwar has received brickbats for less than popular decisions namely his political appointments.
It’s in the name – these appointments are politically motivated, either it is to tighten the grip on power or rather pacify political partners and keep everyone happy.
Not all of the prime minister’s choices for the federal Cabinet has been warmly received. This has been established and the less said about it, the better.
Then came a hammer blow when appointing former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah, the prime minister’s own daughter as Senior Advisor on Economics and Finance.
There’s nothing wrong with this – appointments of officers and advisors to the prime minister, is the prime minister’s sole prerogative, a practice that is accepted as long as time.
Surely, a former three-term MP would have quite the resume for an advisory role at the prime minister’s office, but then again, in the eyes of the public, this former MP is still the latter’s own daughter.
While to the prime minister and his close circle the appointment might be a masterstroke, opinions differ in the public circle.
Satires became dime a dozen – becoming the proverbial “bullet” for political opponents to discredit the administration.
Nepotism, the practice in itself has been much loathed by the public. “Cable”, as they would describe it, is so widespread that it has become acceptable to some.
The administration is sending the wrong message, one that reads, “we are embracing the culture of old,” where opportunities are only given to those who are well-connected rather than on meritocracy.
It is a bad example to give and such, has to end. The new policies must take centre stage along with reforms that is expected from the administration.
Patience is a virtue but sadly, to a large section of the population, it is wearing thin.
Course correction is needed and quick. The administration needs to put the work in and address public disenchantments.
This will set them apart from previous administrations.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
