GTP can do with some independent auditing

Written by Chan Kok Leong
Friday, 29 January 2010 00:38

It was like Steve Jobs unveiling Apple’s “magical and revolutionary” gadget — but minus the trademark black long-sleeved mock turtleneck, Levi’s jeans and New Balance sneakers. Instead, the cool and confident prime minister was armed with a rousing off-the-cuff speech and a great presentation kit, giving a strong account of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), the “revolutionary” programme that will transform the government to be more accountable and effective in its delivery of services.

And to top it off, there was even a live orchestra to accompany the carefully assembled team of local singers and a school of smiling multiracial children to help launch his GTP.

However, while both CEOs have the ability to dazzle and surprise, their semblance in real life is more ironic than joyous.

In parallel to the Apple chief’s predicaments, Malaysia’s chief executive has a tough time convincing the majority that his product is the best for the nation.

As for Jobs, despite the frenzy with which Apple lovers lapped up every gadget he threw at them, 90% of the computing world remains unfazed, except maybe for the iPhone.

On paper, the GTP road map is almost impeccable, save some nit-picking over whether some targets are high enough or too low.

The road map’s aim is to cut crime and corruption, improve transportation and education standards, build houses for the needful and bring power and water to those left behind across the South China Sea and propel the nation to greatness.

In short, another momentous push towards Vision 2020.

During his keynote address, Najib emphasised the reason behind the government’s “Big and Bold” initiative.

Instead of vague goals, the government has valiantly declared its objectives together with a strong commitment to make the GTP work.

And unlike the competition’s common policy framework, the government bravely declared the National Key Result Area (NKRA) in tangible and quantifiable terms.

Together, the nation is promised a full account of the government’s achievements and failures by the first quarter of 2011.

Malaysians are also assured that the annual report will provide transparency and accountability of the government’s transformation process and delivery.

Yet, glaringly missing is a commitment from the key drivers for an independent audit of the national endeavour.

Years of broken promises coupled with bizarre bouts of unaccountability and poor delivery of the most basic governmental services have made Malaysians wary of their government’s proposals.

Without a credible independent appraisal of the annual report, will the government’s achievements stand?

While it is fundamental that the man in the street is able to see the changes for himself, it is equally crucial that the government’s efforts do not go to waste because of an image or perception issue.

There is no better scrutineer of the programme than the government’s harshest critics — civil society.

To ensure the credibility of the annual report remains intact, the government should consider enlisting non-governmental organisations as public glare would render mere checks by the auditor-general insufficient.
 

(Source from TheEdge, 29/01/2010)