GOOD governance means the proper functioning of institutions and their acceptance by the public (legitimacy) by democratic means (participation).

Governance values are context-dependent. For public governance we need a values-based culture. Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices and processes by which a company is directed and controlled.

In the Malaysian context today, it is a continuous and challenging process for both. 

Key values for a new culture of governance are honesty, integrity, transparency, participation, respect for the law, responsibility and accountability. Corruption must be rejected. 

All decision-making should be towards a common interest. 

I am surprised at the uproar in parliament over whether the 2021 Auditor-General’s Report should debated and equally baffled that an important document to hold the government accountable has never been discussed in the House.

This is not a case of washing dirty linen in public. This is about public interest.

There must be scrutiny of government’s operations and expenditures. The budget is an important tool to shape the way forward for the economy and government policies for the welfare of the people and social cohesion. There is a full house in parliament for its presentation but why are there no debates over audit findings?

Are our MPs shirking their responsibility to represent the people’s needs and demands?

Malaysians wish to see improvements in delivery and nation building.

After all these years of inefficiencies, leakages, corruption and misuse of power, how many of the perpetrators have been made to face the law?

What are our lawmakers doing in Parliament? Do they condone the misdeeds?

MPs are sworn to discharge their duty to the best of their ability, to bear true faith and allegiance to Malaysia and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

Some may say, there is this Public Accounts Committee but what are its powers?

Where is the responsibility and accountability?

The government needs to design and implement strategic, evidence-based and innovative policies to strengthen public governance, respond effectively to social and environmental challenges, and deliver on its promises.

There may not be a perfect reform recipe but effort must be taken to move the public sector towards excellence. There must be stakeholders’ engagements and the media should be encouraged to hold the government accountable. 

There must be effective coordination and communication channels and legal and justice services to support good governance. 

The people have the right to know and the government has the duty of making them more knowledgeable.

All of the above also applies to the corporate sector. Imagine going to a annual general meeting where the audited accounts are not discussed.

What say you… – June 9, 2023.

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* 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.