PAKATAN Harapan is almost two years into office, and yet, it still isn’t on a stable footing.

A big part of the problem is a rumour mill that has been spinning since the PH government was formed. As a new, untested administration, there’s even more reason for it to display solidarity and strength, to reassure the public, investors, trade groups and the international community.

The government has allowed rumours to persist, or more accurately, it has been unable to put a stop to them.

No one is asking for a clampdown on free speech. Instead, PH should explain or rebut the allegations thrown at it, lest all of these claims be perceived as the truth. Silence isn’t elegant if it burns your house down.

Communication between the pact’s components should not only be frequent, but also be seen by the people.

Previously, Barisan Nasional supreme council meetings were given wide press coverage. Disagreements between its parties were not uncommon, but they were managed. Important decisions were conveyed and disseminated effectively.

While the PH presidential council does conduct meetings, many of its decisions seem to be at odds with what’s happening at the cabinet and lower-government levels. Once a decision is made, leaders should have the integrity and political will to stick to it, especially if it’s for Malaysians’ benefit.

What’s happening now is that some decisions are made without sufficient public engagement, leading to about-turns later on. Also, decisions made by ministers that have not been discussed in the cabinet, and their announcement without first getting approval. And, not to mention executive decisions that run counter to the PH election manifesto.

Among the issues of note are the teaching of science and mathematics in English, extending PLUS Malaysia Bhd’s concession, the “flying car” project and the decision to bar Chinese nationals from Wuhan, the ground zero of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

There are also cases of announcements being delayed or retracted, following poor engagement with the people. The resultant U-turns make the government look unsure of what it’s doing.

In this age of social media, Putrajaya must realise that once the cat is out of the bag, there’s no putting it back in. Clarifications and retractions don’t completely undo the damage done.

Additionally, there are numerous outstanding issues that should be put to rest – the teaching of Jawi in vernacular schools, the medium of instruction in schools, toll and petrol subsidies, the status of the Unified Examination Certificate and vernacular schools, trade terms with China and India, and electoral and other reforms.

PH can call a special closed-door convention to thrash out these issues, while also gathering feedback from the public and stakeholders. The resolutions and compromises reached should then be spelled out clearly for the civil service, relevant bodies, interest groups and citizens.

The political and social ramifications of these compromises must be dealt with by the ruling pact collectively and cohesively, without each party pandering to its traditional support base. Proposals have to be explained well, illustrating how they will make for policies that benefit the nation as a whole.

For matters that have been resolved within PH, such as posers on the prime minister’s and cabinet posts, the public should still be informed. And instead of reassuring their political dependents, leaders should seek continuity and stability for the various portfolios, departments and agencies, especially their own. – February 5, 2020.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.