KUALA LUMPUR – The Dewan Rakyat was told of discrepancies between government policies and the implementation of its plans today.
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang-BN) said the role of politicians is to create policies, while the government implements those policies.
However, she said the turnover of policymakers can cause disarray.
“The government will always be there, but when leadership and policies change, it causes a chaotic situation.
“That’s why when we talk about Budget 2022, and touch on the element of implementation, I believe there must be a more open role at the state and federal government levels,” Azalina told the Dewan Rakyat while debating Budget 2022.
Meanwhile, the Umno lawmaker touched on the role of MPs in administering their constituencies, which Azalina said is lacking.
She said the Covid-19 pandemic showed her the limitations she faces as an MP to influence infrastructure development in her constituency.
Azalina highlighted the challenges MPs face in garnering data that is crucial for lawmakers to address problems faced by constituents.
“I would like to ask if MPs will be allowed to access data by agencies located in our constituencies.
“We have a data problem, as we don’t know anything.
“Without a data bank, how can we determine the effectiveness of development plans by the government?” Azalina queried.
She said MPs should be given further roles to implement government policies on the constituency level.
Azalina cited Skuad Waja by the Women’s Development Department, tasked with assisting victims of domestic violence.
It was pointed out that 35,823 volunteers were trained, but only 826 victims received assistance as of October 23, which results in only a 0.02% utility rate.
“I may not understand well the implementation of Skuad Waja, but I hope it does not end up becoming a welfare tool.
“Who is appointed to these squads matters, because we don’t want a situation where there’s a fox in the hen house.
“The government can study the role of our 222 MPs, where we can be given the confidence to host Skuad Waja programmes as trainers and supervisors,” Azalina said. – The Vibes, November 9, 2021
