AWAY from the wayang of politics, two recent events bring food for thought. They can be the focus of policy and public action to revive the Reformasi promises and process, which many Malaysians see as stalled.
The first is the recently concluded trade agreement with the United States – Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. This has opened up a Pandora’s box of questions regarding the nation’s economic independence, the key policy sectors targeted as well as its impact on the nation’s core policies related to Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera rights and privileges.
The second is the establishment of the National Unity Advisory Council (NUAC) to advise the government on matters related to unity, serve as a platform to discuss social cohesion issues and recommend solutions to unity challenges.
Both developments are related, although somewhat differently, to the New Economic Policy (NEP) undertaken more than 50 years ago. This policy was intended to end in 1990 but instead has gone through multiple iterations.
How effective can NUAC be?
There is likely to be few among long-time observers of national unity in the country that hold hope that the newest appointed members – the new Council involves a diverse group, including community leaders, representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGO), academics, cultural figures, corporate personalities and delegates from Sabah and Sarawak – can do much.
The past work of the Council has apparently contributed to policies and initiatives, such as:
0 National Unity Action Plan 2021-2030;
0 Implementation of the Rukun Negara pledge at official events; and
0 Tabika Perpaduan Early Childhood Education Plan 2021-2030.
Most observers are not impressed with this past record and hope the new Council will do more. If its members follow through on their public commitments, they could provide the momentum needed to bring closure to the NEP, fostering a more unified and resilient society.
Building a better future for all
Here is an action project proposal for the new Council to consider. Its primary objective is to engage NEP stakeholders in conducting and sharing their own independent, comprehensive evaluation of the NEP and its latest proposed iteration within the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035, which has not yet been subjected to public scrutiny.
The list of potential project participants can include:
0 think-tanks;
0 NGO;
0 universities and other educational institutions;
0 business and other professional organisations, including the housing and building organisations, legal organisations and trade unions;
0 social and religious organisations; and
0 political parties.
Each participating entity can draw on their experiences dealing with NEP-related policies and programmes. Their focus can be on which issues have been handled well, overcorrected, under-addressed, have become irrelevant or overlooked in relation to new challenges.
A key part will relate to what lessons have been learned and what policy changes are required to meet future challenges. Thus, business organisations will deal with the latest policies affecting their sector, be it in SMEs, industry, retailing, logistics, housing and construction. Similarly universities will focus on education, including issues related to admission and quota systems.
Special attention is likely to be given by contributing organisations on the drawbacks and failures of existing policies and how these have negatively impacted their organisation’s well-being and development as well as on the larger national concerns over social cohesion and unity. This analysis can be accompanied by a concluding section identifying proposals for policy reform to be taken up by the government.
It should be emphasised that previous efforts by NGO in submitting reform proposals have not gotten far. However, a process initiated, managed, controlled and executed by the National Unity Ministry should have a more positive outcome.
Managing National Data Bank
The results of this nationwide NEP evaluation can be published on a dedicated website to be launched by the end of 2026. This step is crucial to ensure that the project’s findings are not kept secret, which could restrict freedom of expression, undermine accountability and deny the public’s right to information.
To encourage participation, it is proposed that the National Unity Ministry provides think-tanks, NGO and social and religious organisations with funding to support their project involvement.
With a modest budget allocation of RM50 million, funding each participating organisation with RM100,000 could generate reports from 500 contributors, forming the basis of a valuable national data bank, with implications for the country’s inclusive development. This is precisely the kind of relevant and effective participatory action research the government should support.
This proposed project, involving key stakeholders, can generate actionable findings and address national unity challenges through collaboration, empowerment and the democratic co-creation of knowledge.
The new portal can be integrated into the ministry’s website and help monitor and guide other ministries on post-NEP successes and shortcomings. It will provide the public, policymakers and implementers with access to data and feedback, promoting transparent and accountable governance.
Importantly, the national data bank will not only enable continuous public scrutiny but also provide critics of any new iterations, as well as whistleblowers of alleged wrongful policy practices, a platform to share and disseminate timely responses.
If implemented, this project can serve as a model for reforming affirmative action policies and programmes worldwide.
Lim Teck Ghee’s Another Take is aimed at demystifying social orthodoxy. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
