The Prime Minister wants to win more people to his side, he needs to show real improvements in several key areas within the next six months. It is not enough to battle corruption. Many want to see how their lives will be improved. Although it will take longer than six months to bring about a real improvement, the government must do some key changes within the next six months.
Several key areas that have a direct impact on people’s lives: food prices; the quality of national schools and public hospitals; public transport; the cleanliness of markets, streets and parks; the experience at key government departments which the public use; transparency and accountability of the police force; and treatment of refugees and stateless people
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1. Control prices of essential items
The authorities must do more to monitor unreasonable price increases and reduce supply constraints. Cartels and monopolies that have been profiteering from essential items need to be dismantled.
We must support farmers and fisherfolk. Rezoning agricultural land to ‘mixed development’ and carrying out land reclamation in prime fishing waters will only undermine food security. Promote cooperatives and fortify existing cooperatives so that low-income citizens can enjoy the benefits.
2. Improve quality of public schools
The government should act fast to improve the infrastructure of our public schools. Smaller classrooms, more dedicated teachers and teaching assistants, less paperwork will raise quality. Strive for 2 or 3 languages and mathematics as core subjects.
The government should also ensure inclusivity and non-discrimination, especially in schools, universities and other public services. We need every child and adult to feel they are part of this nation.
3. Improve public hospitals
The public healthcare budget has to increase from 2% to 4% to immediately. The number of doctors and specialists in government hospitals and clinics has to be increased. New equipment and reduced waiting time will improve outcome for the ordinary person. A people-focused government will improve service for the common man.
4. Expand public transport
To encourage more people to switch from cars to public transport, reliability of service is key. More buses with higher frequency of bus services will improve first and last-mile connectivity. KTM Komuter trains need a revamp to reduce waiting times. Upgrade and improve the railway stations at key stops.
The government should strive to have a fare-box ratio of 1.0 or above for buses, trains and other public transport services.
5. Improve amenities and services
Local councils need to focus on cleanliness of parks and beaches and public markets. Enforcement of fines for litterbugs, reduce uneven pavements and remove potholes on local roads are ways to win “hearts and minds” of the people.
All public counters manned by government servants must be mindful of waiting times. There are only 2-3 ways to solve that – technology, hire more public servants or change the process.
Some of the above steps cannot be done in six months but moving in the right direction is a giant step. Show people that things are improving. Then look at affordable housing – which impacts the B40 group.
It is good for ministers to use public services and see for themselves the problems faced by the ordinary citizen. This has to be incognito not with an entourage and “kompang”.
One quick way to improve public services, especially public education and healthcare, is for the PM to instruct all cabinet ministers to use general hospitals for their medical care, to send their children to national schools and to take public transport to work at least once a week.
6. Transparency/Accountability of the authorities
There are many cases of deaths in lock-ups, missing persons, abuse of remand prisoners and the general lack of discipline in the police, immigration or other government agencies. There is no check and balance. A full fledged independent commission is long overdue. What has happened to the Pastor Raymond Koh, Hilmi, Ruth, Amri and others? And those who died in custody?
7. Treatment of stateless persons/refugees
There is growing disquiet about grievances people face in detention camps. They face horrific conditions with no hope of release. Why can’t we treat these unfortunate people better and provide avenues/alternatives – including working in Malaysia?
If the PM and his team can go beyond optics and make real changes, many will follow a winning bandwagon, especially when elections are due in six states later this year.
Reference:
To win over fence-sitters, Anwar must quickly improve five areas, Anil Netto, ALIRAN, 11 Jan 2023
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