Green Technology Policy

The Workshop on Green Technology Policies Between Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) with Stakeholders held recently, to me is a success. Apart from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government who used to have dialogue sessions and consultation with the local authorities, very few or none at all agencies or ministries at the Federal level have engaged local government to discuss challenges and issues about national policies. Well done, KeTTHA. The Workshop enlightened the participants on policies set for helping the Country to achieve 40% pre GDP of GHG reduction by Year 2020. Strategies by sectors are also highlighted. Some Initiatives derived from energy management, waste water management, waste management were shared by implementing agencies. It was, however the sharing of action plans by repesctive State Government of Penang and Negeri Sembilan impressed me the most. It is heartening to notice that the State Governments have started the pursuing of low carbon society and green technology vigorously. Mechanisme and governance system apart from target setting are well in placed. I do hope that other State Government will do so. Having said this, the missing link identified during the Workshop was vertical communication between different level of governance is insufficient. Most of the time we witness top down policies without much input from the grassroot or users or beneficiary being implemented and might not have met the desired objective. I believe more meaningful and constructive engagement with all stakeholders must be carried out. The policies for effective implementation must be inclusive and able to create the sense of ownership for all parties.