Transformation

Last week marked another milestone in Malaysia's history for good public governance. The 1Malaysia Transformation Programme Open Day was held at Sunway Pyramid over 2 days. The Open Day saw the setting up of 6 Labs displaying various identified key issues and proposals. Amongst them combating crime and corruption, upgrading of education, reducing poverty, improving public transportation and basic infrastructure. These are the National Key Result Areas as envisioned under PM's 1Malaysia concept, and rightly so as these are key concerns of the general public. Having a good start, is however would not win over the heart of the people if results are not delivered within expected time frame. Thereby, people attending the Open Day or even those who follow the reporting closely will be eagerly waiting the execution of actions be done as soon as possible. Until then, everyone is optimistic.

Open Day should have been held more often and at various places for the purpose of engaging wider spectrum of people. Looking at the turn out and issues closely related to everyone, the organising of such events in other places will definitely an inviting act. Previously, many of government events cannot attract attendance simply because of poor publicity, irrelevant of issues, wrong target groups and the worst is lack of follow through actions and updating of progress. It is hope that progress on any proposals from the Transformation Programme is constantly updated to general public and feedback are welcome. What people want the least is to be informed and to be heard although results might be forthcoming later.

Many issues were debated but interested many people are measures to counter the crime and corruption, followed by public transport and poverty. Some said all of them are inter-linked. For example, crime is a form of social ills and hunger people will commit crime. Similarly, too many agencies involved in the public transportation sector are also cause for corruption. Having said this, unarguably, all these issues are closely related to our daily life and determinant of our quality of life. To me, sustainable development as well.

Combating poverty is provided for under the Chapter 3, Agenda 21. Education is being discussed under Chapter 36, Agenda 21. Transparency and good governance are mentioned in every chapter of the Blue Print.

The transformation, if successful will have positive impact on sustainable development.