Good policy plans the future, observes the unheard

It was eight years ago when I first visited Kanowit, a small district in Sibu, Sarawak, with a population of nearly 30,000. I walked around the riverside town of Kanowit up to the main landmark—a 19th-century Brooke Era wooden fort called Fort Emma on Kubu Road. Further down the fort was Wayang Road, connected to the main bazaar of Kanowit town, which had a row of old, shabby double-story shop houses converted into rental residences for some tenants.

I went in to casually speak with some of the local people and soon realized that the conversations turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences, leaving a profound impact on me, even in my role as a policy researcher today. I recall one middle-aged tenant lamenting the immense difficulties they faced in striving to lead a decent life, barely managing to make ends meet. His words painted a poignant picture of their daily struggles and the constant battle to secure even the most basic necessities.

I remember leaving the place with a heavy heart, feeling utterly drained and directionless.

"How can I help them?" I asked my fieldwork teammate, who is also one of my closest friends.

"They just thought we were journalists, Iris. Look, we are just postgraduate students. You need to detach from this and take it easy," she replied.

As a policy researcher, understanding policy inaction is as crucial as comprehending the entire cycle - from agenda setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, and administration, to eventual evaluation. Understanding both facets illuminates the complex dynamics of a “good” public policy. This comprehensive understanding sheds light on the factors that contribute to the success or failure of effective public policies. Engaging in policy creation is not merely a task but a noble mission, requiring not only effective formulation but also careful consideration to ensure policies genuinely serve broader societal interests.

I strongly believe that society operates as a cohesive blend of diverse elements, essential for maximizing the effectiveness of any policy. Governments, agencies, civil society, non-governmental organizations, individuals, and the media are all integral to shaping a civilized society. The brouhaha surrounding HRD Corp's legal action against The Edge and a journalist, alleging defamation over their reporting on Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and auditor general's findings, represents a worrying assault on media freedom in the country.

A robust policy requires input from all segments of society. Achieving inclusive voices involves fostering multilateral collaborations among stakeholders, thereby creating a synergistic societal dynamic through effective policymaking.

Reflecting on my encounter on Wayang Street, I wonder: did my role as a ‘journalist’ inspire hope in them to share the unheard voices of those living in that neglected community? Media, like many other channels: columns, opinion pieces, letter to the editors and even across the digital spaces, is another oft-voiced complaint from the people to the people, including most voice from the mass of "Why doesn't the government do something about this?" that is part of the upmost inputs needed for policymaking. But, could policies truly be inclusive and equitable if voices are submerged, societal issues are neglected, and the truth is swept under the carpet?

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