Cabinet reshuffle and Malaysian thirst for drama

 

Malaysians need to have drama in their politics. If there isn’t any drama, then it wouldn’t even be considered politics.

I am not sure if this is a good thing or not. If everything is going on smoothly, or at least at the status quo, nothing becomes the talk of the town. Everything is quiet and we look at other things that are going on in the media.

So maybe that is why a lot of people have been harping on the issue of having a cabinet reshuffle. Sure, if a cabinet reshuffle were to take place, drama would ensue.

Personally, I also tend to look for a bit of drama to be inspired to write. If there isn’t much happening, I find it difficult to think of anything to write about.

Who would want to read or write about menial operational issues like how fast certain licenses and permits are issued or whether tolls are going to be free during certain festive seasons?

For example, let’s take a look at what is happening now. There is the issue of summonses by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and how they are not giving discounts as opposed to how the police are giving discounts for summonses that they issue.

One authoritative body is giving out discounts and another isn’t. Transport Minister Anthony Loke just issued a statement saying they just haven’t decided on the same thing.

They have their reasons for not giving discounts and the police have their reasons for giving discounts. Different jurisdiction and that’s just it. Wow! Big deal!

Okay, I kid! Of course, these issues are valid and can be discussed and written about. Nothing wrong with discussing these issues. But as they say - no oomph lah!

Everybody in Malaysia wants it to either be high drama or high scandal. If there isn’t any drama, then they demand drama, like how everyone is desperate for a cabinet reshuffle as soon as possible.

What’s the rush for a reshuffle? I understand that many Malaysians are holding the current administration accountable for everything they promised to do. What’s more with the first anniversary of the administration just passing and everyone scrutinising the performance of the Madani government.

If we think about it, one year isn’t that long for any significant progress to be made. Yes, I agree there can still be a performance evaluation, or report card as they like to call it, so people can see what has been achieved, hasn’t been achieved, and still needs to be achieved.

But at this early stage, the evaluation should also be a self-reflection to readjust strategy.

What would be the purpose of calling for a cabinet reshuffle now unless there is real unhappiness or a questionable performance by a member of the cabinet? Has there really been any minister who has had a really terrible first year?

I would say not. Most are performing quite decently, if I may say so. There are certain ministries that could do better, but for the most part, things have been going okay.

If any areas need improvements, this is the time at the 12-month mark when we speak up and make sure the current administration and its cabinet do something about it.

We’ve been doing it anyway all this while. Many were unhappy about the home minister’s statement about Bahasa Malaysia proficiency to hold a Malaysian passport and we spoke up.

Many are unhappy with how the Generational End Game (GEG) provision in the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 was omitted.

Then make more noise and keep making it until something is done about it. There are another four more years to this current government’s term. If these issues are significant enough, then they shall be a deciding factor in the next election to see if this government will have a second term.

It’s just that in the last five years or so, we have been experiencing a lot of instability and short-term governance when it comes to our government. We changed leadership and administrations so many times that nothing concrete has been given a chance to form.

So with the current ‘unity government’ successfully holding on to power for the last 12 months, let’s give it a chance to do something significant and see how it turns out.

We go through with the democratic process whereby we hold the government accountable for everything from when we elected them. We express our opinions and we hope the government allow us to continue voicing out and also listens to us.

If we continue to have open public discourse together, we can mould a country and a government that can actually work and be efficient. - Mkini

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ZAN AZLEE is a writer, documentary filmmaker, journalist, and academic. Visit fatbidin.com to view his work.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.