Politicians should take note:
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/6/business/2722728&sec=business
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
What is good governance?
Excerpts from UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific article of the same title:
Full text of article in http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/gg/governance.asp
Governance is "the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented)". Since governance is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and informal actors involved in decision-making and implementing the decisions made and the formal and informal structures that have been set in place to arrive at and implement the decision.
The diagram above shows that the urban middle class are mostly uninformed (or misinformed) and the urban poor suffer the most. Both groups have less influence and participation in decision making especially to do with public policies. However, as they begin to get more organised and with the advent of technology, these two groups are becoming more active politically and wanting to participate in the process of decision making.
Participation
Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand.
Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand.
Equity and inclusiveness
A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being.
A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being.
Full text of article in http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/gg/governance.asp
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Rakyat demands.....
Yes, what do the people want? It's been more than a year since March 2008 GE and the government is still trying to figure out how to win back the hearts and votes of the people. Then again, is the answer that hard to find? No, I don't think so.
We have to begin by accepting/acknowledging that our society has progressed. The people want to know more. They want to be part of the action, take part in decision-making. They want to be heard, their interests taken into consideration.
Governments sometimes need to take extreme measures and implement unpopular public policies. In doing so, it is imperative for the government to be very transparent and make available as much information as possible to the people so it's action can be judged based on the raison d'être rather than emotions.
The need to justify public policies has been taken to lightly, too often.
Governments also have to learn to listen to its people. The administration should not unilaterally dictate how the people should live, should behave, should work, should do business and most important of all, how the country should be managed. A true government of the the people by the people should also be for the people. Promising to listen is not good enough.
A efficient communication channel will enable the masses to communicate with the administration thus creating a sense of empowerment among the people. Our country's current situation is brought about by too many years of suppression of thoughts and people with differing views are silenced. This also applies to political parties.
The frustration builds and then is let out on the ballot paper. What a pity. If only they started to listen earlier...... I've said it then. I'm saying it again now.
We have to begin by accepting/acknowledging that our society has progressed. The people want to know more. They want to be part of the action, take part in decision-making. They want to be heard, their interests taken into consideration.
Governments sometimes need to take extreme measures and implement unpopular public policies. In doing so, it is imperative for the government to be very transparent and make available as much information as possible to the people so it's action can be judged based on the raison d'être rather than emotions.
The need to justify public policies has been taken to lightly, too often.
Governments also have to learn to listen to its people. The administration should not unilaterally dictate how the people should live, should behave, should work, should do business and most important of all, how the country should be managed. A true government of the the people by the people should also be for the people. Promising to listen is not good enough.
A efficient communication channel will enable the masses to communicate with the administration thus creating a sense of empowerment among the people. Our country's current situation is brought about by too many years of suppression of thoughts and people with differing views are silenced. This also applies to political parties.
The frustration builds and then is let out on the ballot paper. What a pity. If only they started to listen earlier...... I've said it then. I'm saying it again now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
