Today would be the 100th day since Datuk Seri Najib became the Prime Minister of Malaysia after the GE13. The “100-day Benchmark” of a new administration was first initiated by President Roosevelt of the United States of America. In the first 100 days of becoming President, Roosevelt launched the New Deal; a series of domestic economic policies and initiatives. From then on, subsequent American Presidents were evaluated on their first 100 days in government administration.
In the context of Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib launched 11 new initiatives in his first 100 days after becoming Prime Minister in year 2009. Although most of the 11 initiatives were merely superficial; such as giving Touch ‘n Go discounts and so on, it did increase his publicity at the time. In his second term, with one term of experience in hand, Prime Minister Najib should have been brimming with a variety of policies and ideas. Unfortunately, he did not announce any new policies or any meaningful policy changes.
In relation to the aforementioned, my office conducted a study of the Prime Minister’s public statements, as well as his statements on his Facebook and Twitter pages for 100 days. We categorised the study into 5 main topics: 1. New Policies and Policy Reform 2. Daily Administration 3. Greetings and Condolences 4. Attend Programme 5. Others.
Over his first 100 days, he tweeted 308 messages. We were quite shock to see only 1% or equivalent to 4 tweets on new policies. This is worrying because, we only have 4 new policies in this new administrative term. Other tweets were 49% daily administration, 27% Greetings and Condolences, 5% Attending Programmes, 18% Others.
At the same time, right after the 13GE, our country was experiencing critical challenges. My office chose 10 issues or major challenges experienced in the first 100 days Najib was Prime Minister (see appendix). We categorised the 10 issues or news into 3 categories: 1. Politics 2. Economy 3. Socio-Criminal. (See Attachment 2)
We are of the opinion that all these challenges require for a leader of the Country who is clear, decisive and visionary. However, our findings showed that Prime Minister Najib once again failed. In the 10 issues we focused on, the Prime Minister only answered or commented on 2 issues. He also only submitted one policy, which was to place the EC under the Parliament. Even that lacked further details after 77 days of being announced on the 1st of June 2013.
The conclusion we derived is that the Prime Minister has lost focus in leading the Country. He also lacks new ideas. The Country is now operating on autopilot. Umno conservatives have “hijacked” issues and have become the voice of the government administration. The weaknesses of the Prime Minister have led to a Country that is not in control. This is a highly worrying situation.
In my opinion, Barisan Nasional dan Pakatan Rakyat must regain focus in their respective administrations. At this point, both BN and PR lack new ideas and policy focus. Malaysians want change and reform, their expectations are high. While I have not study on other administration, I wish to commend an Exco who has been focusing on his job and steadfast to push through policy reforms in his portfolio. YB Jagdeep Singh is now working to clean up mismanagement of low cost housing allocation process. This is the kind of focus that the rakyat wanted.
Therefore, I would like to urge all ministers and excos to refocus in managing the country. The people want leadership and new policy ideas to bring Malaysia to the next level.
YB Sim Tze Tzin
Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru
