IDEAS Webinar "Indigenous Children’s Access to Education: Before & during COVID-19" 23 October 2020
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) will be hosting a webinar titled "Indigenous Children’s Access to Education: Before & during COVID-19" on 23 October 2020, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm.
This webinar will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on indigenous children’s education. Orang Asli children have been further left behind in their education due to closure of schools during the Movement Control Order (MCO) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There is a digital divide as these students have trouble gaining access to necessities such as electricity, internet and devices. How will indigenous students get back on track after missing nearly five months of school and continuing to suffer from further inequality? This webinar will cover these critical issues and the policy paper by IDEAS on the same theme will be presented.
The speakers are as follows:
Presenter and Moderator:
Wan Ya Shin, Research Manager, Social Policy Unit, IDEAS
Panellists:
1.) Prof. Dr. Bahari Belaton, USM
2.) Dr. Sumathi Renganathan, UTAR
3.) Anne Lasimbang, PACOS Trust
To register log on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L4phbHsaTUqo4r6gKem1bg
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) will be hosting a webinar titled "Indigenous Children’s Access to Education: Before & during COVID-19" on 23 October 2020, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm.
This webinar will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on indigenous children’s education. Orang Asli children have been further left behind in their education due to closure of schools during the Movement Control Order (MCO) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There is a digital divide as these students have trouble gaining access to necessities such as electricity, internet and devices. How will indigenous students get back on track after missing nearly five months of school and continuing to suffer from further inequality? This webinar will cover these critical issues and the policy paper by IDEAS on the same theme will be presented.
The speakers are as follows:
Presenter and Moderator:
Wan Ya Shin, Research Manager, Social Policy Unit, IDEAS
Panellists:
1.) Prof. Dr. Bahari Belaton, USM
2.) Dr. Sumathi Renganathan, UTAR
3.) Anne Lasimbang, PACOS Trust
To register log on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L4phbHsaTUqo4r6gKem1bg
Zoom Video
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: IDEAS Webinar "Indigenous Children’s Access to Education: Before & during COVID-19"…
This webinar will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on indigenous children’s education. Orang Asli children have been further left behind in their education due to closure of schools during the Movement Control Order (MCO) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.…
Media Statement
For Immediate Release
IDEAS calls for enhancement of education policies for Orang Asli children
• The Orang Asli community continue to face barriers to education, resulting in persistently higher school dropout rates than the national average.
• Existing government policies and programmes are currently not sufficient to address the underlying challenges.
• IDEAS calls for greater efforts including systematic evaluation of existing programmes and greater incorporation of Orang Asli values and culture into the curriculum.
Kuala Lumpur, 22 October 2020 – The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) today published a policy paper titled “Education Policies in Overcoming Barriers Faced by Orang Asli Children: Education for all”. The paper was authored by IDEAS’ Research Manager of Social Policy, Wan Ya Shin.
The paper reviews several policies and programmes and finds that the outcomes of government programmes have not been commensurate with the effort and resources poured into developing and implementing them.
While there appears to be some reduction in the gap between Orang Asli students and the national average according to the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025), key challenges such as lack of opportunities to attend preschool and contextualized curriculum and pedagogy have not been adequately addressed. These significant challenges have resulted in persistently higher school dropout rates from the national average. For example, from 2016 to 2018, the national dropout rates were consistently below 4%, while the Orang Asli students’ dropout rates were above 17% and it increased significantly to 26% in 2017.
Faced with socio-economic, geographic, language and cultural barriers, many Orang Asli children perform poorly and drop out of school. Since 1995, the Ministry of Education has introduced various policies and programmes to improve the educational outcomes of Orang Asli children. These programmes and policies have evolved from integration into mainstream education to a more indigenous-focused education. However, the paper concludes that further action is needed to ensure these policies match the nature and scale of the challenge that Orang Asli face.
The following are the recommendations based on the findings of the research:
• Policies should identify and tackle underlying challenges instead of addressing ‘symptoms’
• Periodic evaluation and impact analysis of policies and programmes are needed to ensure effectivity and address new issues and gaps that arise during implementation
• Look into needs of Orang Asli children who have never been to school and identify and address their challenges
• Respect the voice of Orang Asli communities and their right to self-determination when formulating policies and programmes
• Contextualise the curriculum and incorporate indigenous values and culture so that it is relevant to the students’ lives
• Provide adequate training to teachers and support them with professional development programmes
• Re-examine the focus of the Malaysian education system and move towards a holistic education
Commenting on the release, Wan said that “It is hoped that the observations and recommendations made in this paper will contribute to the continuous improvement in the policies and programmes for the benefit of Orang Asli children. This is not just an issue faced by Orang Asli communities but a national education issue, and we need to ensure that all Malaysian children have access to quality education.”
IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh commented, “Orang Asli children continue to face tremendous barriers in accessing the quality education they require to escape the poverty cycle. The education system must better serve our indigenous communities to enable them to flourish and participate meaningfully in our Malaysian society.”
A copy of the Policy IDEAS No.66 can be downloaded here [http://bit.ly/OAeducation]
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The paper will be discussed at a public webinar on Friday 23rd October 2020, 11:00 AM.
For Immediate Release
IDEAS calls for enhancement of education policies for Orang Asli children
• The Orang Asli community continue to face barriers to education, resulting in persistently higher school dropout rates than the national average.
• Existing government policies and programmes are currently not sufficient to address the underlying challenges.
• IDEAS calls for greater efforts including systematic evaluation of existing programmes and greater incorporation of Orang Asli values and culture into the curriculum.
Kuala Lumpur, 22 October 2020 – The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) today published a policy paper titled “Education Policies in Overcoming Barriers Faced by Orang Asli Children: Education for all”. The paper was authored by IDEAS’ Research Manager of Social Policy, Wan Ya Shin.
The paper reviews several policies and programmes and finds that the outcomes of government programmes have not been commensurate with the effort and resources poured into developing and implementing them.
While there appears to be some reduction in the gap between Orang Asli students and the national average according to the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025), key challenges such as lack of opportunities to attend preschool and contextualized curriculum and pedagogy have not been adequately addressed. These significant challenges have resulted in persistently higher school dropout rates from the national average. For example, from 2016 to 2018, the national dropout rates were consistently below 4%, while the Orang Asli students’ dropout rates were above 17% and it increased significantly to 26% in 2017.
Faced with socio-economic, geographic, language and cultural barriers, many Orang Asli children perform poorly and drop out of school. Since 1995, the Ministry of Education has introduced various policies and programmes to improve the educational outcomes of Orang Asli children. These programmes and policies have evolved from integration into mainstream education to a more indigenous-focused education. However, the paper concludes that further action is needed to ensure these policies match the nature and scale of the challenge that Orang Asli face.
The following are the recommendations based on the findings of the research:
• Policies should identify and tackle underlying challenges instead of addressing ‘symptoms’
• Periodic evaluation and impact analysis of policies and programmes are needed to ensure effectivity and address new issues and gaps that arise during implementation
• Look into needs of Orang Asli children who have never been to school and identify and address their challenges
• Respect the voice of Orang Asli communities and their right to self-determination when formulating policies and programmes
• Contextualise the curriculum and incorporate indigenous values and culture so that it is relevant to the students’ lives
• Provide adequate training to teachers and support them with professional development programmes
• Re-examine the focus of the Malaysian education system and move towards a holistic education
Commenting on the release, Wan said that “It is hoped that the observations and recommendations made in this paper will contribute to the continuous improvement in the policies and programmes for the benefit of Orang Asli children. This is not just an issue faced by Orang Asli communities but a national education issue, and we need to ensure that all Malaysian children have access to quality education.”
IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh commented, “Orang Asli children continue to face tremendous barriers in accessing the quality education they require to escape the poverty cycle. The education system must better serve our indigenous communities to enable them to flourish and participate meaningfully in our Malaysian society.”
A copy of the Policy IDEAS No.66 can be downloaded here [http://bit.ly/OAeducation]
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The paper will be discussed at a public webinar on Friday 23rd October 2020, 11:00 AM.
The livestream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/IDEASMalaysia/live/
For media enquiry, please contact Ewanina Effandie at ewanina@ideas.org.my
For media enquiry, please contact Ewanina Effandie at ewanina@ideas.org.my
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This morning, IDEAS hosted a webinar focusing on Orang Asli and Education. If you missed it, you can catch the recording at
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Youtube: https://youtu.be/Pu0tSF8VOOA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDEASMalaysia/videos/815566999197787
Youtube: https://youtu.be/Pu0tSF8VOOA
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IDEAS
This webinar will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on indigenous children’s education. Orang Asli children have been further left behind in their education...
Media Statement
For Immediate Release
IDEAS extremely concerned by potential suspension of Parliament
For immediate release
• Suspending Parliament and imposing a state of emergency will hamper business sentiment and worsen economic conditions.
• This would also greatly reduce government accountability, and put to question Budget 2021’s legitimacy.
• Alternative measures can be taken to address concerns over COVID-19.
• Malaysia’s system of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law must be respected and upheld.
Kuala Lumpur, 24 October 2020: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) is troubled by several reports that a state of emergency is expected to be announced within the next few days. A state of emergency of the kind we have seen before is of great concern at this time for several reasons.
First, it will hamper business sentiment, further worsening the already negative economic outlook following events of the year. The Malaysian economy has contracted for the first time since the Global Financial Crisis as a result of COVID-19, affecting businesses and the B40 most critically. A national emergency will only further exacerbate the hardship faced by small business owners, increase unemployment and threaten economic growth.
Second, a suspension of Parliament reduces accountability in government decision-making, diverts enormous powers to the Executive and further undermines the government’s legitimacy. In times of crisis, Malaysians need to be reassured that the institutions empowered by the Constitution and the representatives that Malaysians elect work in their best interests. A usurpation of this trust between citizens and government will have dire consequences on Malaysian democracy as a whole.
Third, the upcoming Budget 2021 expected to be tabled and passed will not go through parliamentary scrutiny if parliament is suspended. The annual Budget is a significant document that determines public expenditure for the following financial year and elected representatives must be given the opportunity to view, debate and pass it into being on the grounds of transparency, rule of law, and accountability.
It is true that the public health crisis has worsened as new COVID-19 infections continue to rise every day and our healthcare facilities continue to be stretched. However, even a crisis such as this does not warrant a suspension of democratic institutions. Malaysia already has the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) for situations such as this.
Furthermore, if businesses are allowed to operate as usual and no curfews will be imposed, the speculated reason for the Emergency is that it is being imposed for political reasons, which erodes public trust in the government of the day. Absolute power vested in the Executive is a slippery slope that can lead to further suspension of civil liberties and good governance practices.
Instead of an Emergency, efforts and resources can be better diverted to managing the public health crisis. Federal-state government coordination should improve, inter-agency and inter-Ministry cooperation should be enhanced, more resources should be dedicated to public health, and data should be used to identify high-risk areas.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh says, “It is important now more than ever that parliamentary democracy and the rule of law are upheld, to ensure that the necessary checks and balances remain. It is hoped that our country’s leaders will respect our system of parliamentary democracy and seek an alternative solution instead of invoking Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, which could lead to unnecessary panic.”
-END-
For media enquiries- E: tricia@ideas.org.my
For Immediate Release
IDEAS extremely concerned by potential suspension of Parliament
For immediate release
• Suspending Parliament and imposing a state of emergency will hamper business sentiment and worsen economic conditions.
• This would also greatly reduce government accountability, and put to question Budget 2021’s legitimacy.
• Alternative measures can be taken to address concerns over COVID-19.
• Malaysia’s system of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law must be respected and upheld.
Kuala Lumpur, 24 October 2020: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) is troubled by several reports that a state of emergency is expected to be announced within the next few days. A state of emergency of the kind we have seen before is of great concern at this time for several reasons.
First, it will hamper business sentiment, further worsening the already negative economic outlook following events of the year. The Malaysian economy has contracted for the first time since the Global Financial Crisis as a result of COVID-19, affecting businesses and the B40 most critically. A national emergency will only further exacerbate the hardship faced by small business owners, increase unemployment and threaten economic growth.
Second, a suspension of Parliament reduces accountability in government decision-making, diverts enormous powers to the Executive and further undermines the government’s legitimacy. In times of crisis, Malaysians need to be reassured that the institutions empowered by the Constitution and the representatives that Malaysians elect work in their best interests. A usurpation of this trust between citizens and government will have dire consequences on Malaysian democracy as a whole.
Third, the upcoming Budget 2021 expected to be tabled and passed will not go through parliamentary scrutiny if parliament is suspended. The annual Budget is a significant document that determines public expenditure for the following financial year and elected representatives must be given the opportunity to view, debate and pass it into being on the grounds of transparency, rule of law, and accountability.
It is true that the public health crisis has worsened as new COVID-19 infections continue to rise every day and our healthcare facilities continue to be stretched. However, even a crisis such as this does not warrant a suspension of democratic institutions. Malaysia already has the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) for situations such as this.
Furthermore, if businesses are allowed to operate as usual and no curfews will be imposed, the speculated reason for the Emergency is that it is being imposed for political reasons, which erodes public trust in the government of the day. Absolute power vested in the Executive is a slippery slope that can lead to further suspension of civil liberties and good governance practices.
Instead of an Emergency, efforts and resources can be better diverted to managing the public health crisis. Federal-state government coordination should improve, inter-agency and inter-Ministry cooperation should be enhanced, more resources should be dedicated to public health, and data should be used to identify high-risk areas.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh says, “It is important now more than ever that parliamentary democracy and the rule of law are upheld, to ensure that the necessary checks and balances remain. It is hoped that our country’s leaders will respect our system of parliamentary democracy and seek an alternative solution instead of invoking Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, which could lead to unnecessary panic.”
-END-
For media enquiries- E: tricia@ideas.org.my
Kenyataan Media
Untuk Sebaran Segera
IDEAS menyuarakan kebimbangan atas kemungkinan penggantungan parlimen
• Menggantung Parlimen serta mengenakan perintah darurat akan menggugat sentimen perniagaan dan memburukkan lagi situasi ekonomi.
• Hal ini juga dengan ketara akan menjejaskan kebertanggungjawaban pihak kerajaan, dan menimbulkan persoalan mengenai keabsahan Belanjawan 2021.
• Langkah-langkah alternatif boleh diambil untuk menangani kerisauan mengenai COVID-19.
• Sistem demokrasi berparlimen Malaysia dan kedaulatan undang-undang harus didokong dan dihormati.
Kuala Lumpur, 24 Oktober 2020 – Institut Demokrasi dan Hal Ehwal Ekonomi (IDEAS) bimbang dengan beberapa laporan akhbar yang mengatakan perintah darurat dijangka akan diumumkan dalam masa beberapa hari akan datang. Perintah darurat yang pernah disaksikan sebelum ini amat membimbangkan jika dilaksanakan pada masa ini di atas beberapa sebab berikut.
Pertama, sentimen perniagaan akan tergugat, memburukkan lagi tinjauan ekonomi negatif disebabkan oleh pelbagai perkara yang berlaku tahun ini. Ekonomi Malaysia telah menguncup buat kali pertama semenjak Krisis Kewangan Dunia kerana COVID-19, paling kritikal menjejaskan perniagaan serta golongan B40. Perintah darurat di seluruh negara akan hanya memburukkan lagi kesukaran yang dihadapi oleh para pemilik perniagaan kecil, meningkatkan pengangguran dan mengancam pertumbuhan ekonomi.
Kedua, penggantungan Parlimen akan mengurangkan kebertanggungjawaban kerajaan dalam membuat keputusan, mengalihkan kuasa yang amat besar kepada Eksekutif dan melemahkan lagi keabsahan kerajaan. Ketika krisis, rakyat Malaysia perlu diberi keyakinan bahawa institusi-institusi yang telah diberi kuasa oleh Perlembagaan dan wakil-wakil rakyat yang dipilih berkhidmat untuk kepentingan terbaik rakyat. Pelucutan rasa percaya antara rakyat dan kerajaan ini akan menghasilkan kesan yang dahsyat ke atas demokrasi di Malaysia secara keseluruhannya.
Ketiga, Belanjawan 2021 yang dijangka akan dibentangkan dan diluluskan tidak akan melalui penelitian berparlimen jika Parlimen digantung. Belanjawan tahunan merupakan satu dokumen penting yang menentukan perbelanjaan awam untuk tahun kewangan yang akan datang dan wakil-wakil rakyat harus diberi peluang untuk meneliti, berbahas dan meluluskannya atas dasar ketelusan, kedaulatan undang-undang, dan kebertanggungjawaban.
Memang benar krisis kesihatan awam semakin teruk dikala jangkitan baharu COVID-19 terus meningkat saban hari dan kemudahan penjagaan kesihatan kita terus dipaksa berfungsi ke kapasiti maksimum. Namun, krisis sebegini tidak memerlukan penggantungan institusi demokrasi. Malaysia sudah mempunyai Akta Pencegahan dan Pengawalan Penyakit Berjangkit 1988 (Akta 342) untuk situasi seperti yang sedang kita hadapi ini.
Tambahan pula, jika perniagaan dibenarkan untuk beroperasi seperti biasa dan tiada perintah berkurung dilaksanakan, alasan pelaksanaan perintah darurat yang menjadi spekulasi ialah kerana isu politik, akan menghakis kepercayaan masyarakat awam terhadap kerajaan yang memerintah hari ini. Kuasa mutlak yang diberikan kepada Eksekutif merupakan satu cerun yang licin, sesuatu yang amat berbahaya yang boleh membawa kepada penggantungn susulan terhadap kebebasan awam dan amalan urus tadbir yang baik.
Sebaliknya, segala usaha dan sumber boleh disalurkan dengan lebih baik ke arah menguruskan krisis kesihatan awam. Koordinasi kerajaan Persekutuan dan negeri harus ditingkatkan, kerjasama antara agensi dan antara kementerian perlu ditambahbaik, lebih banyak sumber dikhususkan kepada kesihatan awam, dan data digunakan untuk mengenalpasti kawasan berisiko tinggi.
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IDEAS, Tricia Yeoh ketika mengulas perkembangan ini berkata, “Pada ketika ini, amat penting untuk kita mendokong demokrasi berparlimen dan kedaulatan undang-undang, supaya dapat memastikan semak dan imbang yang amat diperlukan dapat dikekalkan.
Untuk Sebaran Segera
IDEAS menyuarakan kebimbangan atas kemungkinan penggantungan parlimen
• Menggantung Parlimen serta mengenakan perintah darurat akan menggugat sentimen perniagaan dan memburukkan lagi situasi ekonomi.
• Hal ini juga dengan ketara akan menjejaskan kebertanggungjawaban pihak kerajaan, dan menimbulkan persoalan mengenai keabsahan Belanjawan 2021.
• Langkah-langkah alternatif boleh diambil untuk menangani kerisauan mengenai COVID-19.
• Sistem demokrasi berparlimen Malaysia dan kedaulatan undang-undang harus didokong dan dihormati.
Kuala Lumpur, 24 Oktober 2020 – Institut Demokrasi dan Hal Ehwal Ekonomi (IDEAS) bimbang dengan beberapa laporan akhbar yang mengatakan perintah darurat dijangka akan diumumkan dalam masa beberapa hari akan datang. Perintah darurat yang pernah disaksikan sebelum ini amat membimbangkan jika dilaksanakan pada masa ini di atas beberapa sebab berikut.
Pertama, sentimen perniagaan akan tergugat, memburukkan lagi tinjauan ekonomi negatif disebabkan oleh pelbagai perkara yang berlaku tahun ini. Ekonomi Malaysia telah menguncup buat kali pertama semenjak Krisis Kewangan Dunia kerana COVID-19, paling kritikal menjejaskan perniagaan serta golongan B40. Perintah darurat di seluruh negara akan hanya memburukkan lagi kesukaran yang dihadapi oleh para pemilik perniagaan kecil, meningkatkan pengangguran dan mengancam pertumbuhan ekonomi.
Kedua, penggantungan Parlimen akan mengurangkan kebertanggungjawaban kerajaan dalam membuat keputusan, mengalihkan kuasa yang amat besar kepada Eksekutif dan melemahkan lagi keabsahan kerajaan. Ketika krisis, rakyat Malaysia perlu diberi keyakinan bahawa institusi-institusi yang telah diberi kuasa oleh Perlembagaan dan wakil-wakil rakyat yang dipilih berkhidmat untuk kepentingan terbaik rakyat. Pelucutan rasa percaya antara rakyat dan kerajaan ini akan menghasilkan kesan yang dahsyat ke atas demokrasi di Malaysia secara keseluruhannya.
Ketiga, Belanjawan 2021 yang dijangka akan dibentangkan dan diluluskan tidak akan melalui penelitian berparlimen jika Parlimen digantung. Belanjawan tahunan merupakan satu dokumen penting yang menentukan perbelanjaan awam untuk tahun kewangan yang akan datang dan wakil-wakil rakyat harus diberi peluang untuk meneliti, berbahas dan meluluskannya atas dasar ketelusan, kedaulatan undang-undang, dan kebertanggungjawaban.
Memang benar krisis kesihatan awam semakin teruk dikala jangkitan baharu COVID-19 terus meningkat saban hari dan kemudahan penjagaan kesihatan kita terus dipaksa berfungsi ke kapasiti maksimum. Namun, krisis sebegini tidak memerlukan penggantungan institusi demokrasi. Malaysia sudah mempunyai Akta Pencegahan dan Pengawalan Penyakit Berjangkit 1988 (Akta 342) untuk situasi seperti yang sedang kita hadapi ini.
Tambahan pula, jika perniagaan dibenarkan untuk beroperasi seperti biasa dan tiada perintah berkurung dilaksanakan, alasan pelaksanaan perintah darurat yang menjadi spekulasi ialah kerana isu politik, akan menghakis kepercayaan masyarakat awam terhadap kerajaan yang memerintah hari ini. Kuasa mutlak yang diberikan kepada Eksekutif merupakan satu cerun yang licin, sesuatu yang amat berbahaya yang boleh membawa kepada penggantungn susulan terhadap kebebasan awam dan amalan urus tadbir yang baik.
Sebaliknya, segala usaha dan sumber boleh disalurkan dengan lebih baik ke arah menguruskan krisis kesihatan awam. Koordinasi kerajaan Persekutuan dan negeri harus ditingkatkan, kerjasama antara agensi dan antara kementerian perlu ditambahbaik, lebih banyak sumber dikhususkan kepada kesihatan awam, dan data digunakan untuk mengenalpasti kawasan berisiko tinggi.
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IDEAS, Tricia Yeoh ketika mengulas perkembangan ini berkata, “Pada ketika ini, amat penting untuk kita mendokong demokrasi berparlimen dan kedaulatan undang-undang, supaya dapat memastikan semak dan imbang yang amat diperlukan dapat dikekalkan.
Semoga para pemimpin negara akan menghormati sistem demokrasi berparlimen negara kita dan mencari satu penyelesaian alternatif berbanding menggunapakai Artikel 150 Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang boleh menimbulkan panik dalam kalangan rakyat.”
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Bagi sebarang pertanyaan media - E: tricia@ideas.org.my
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Bagi sebarang pertanyaan media - E: tricia@ideas.org.my
Regional_Conference_RD_in_Malaysia_and_Asia_Pacific_27_28_Oct_Programme.pdf
8 MB
IDEAS Regional Conference on Rare Diseases in Malaysia & the Asia Pacific, 27th & 28th October 2020
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) will be hosting a regional conference on rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific. IDEAS is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving understanding and promoting solutions to public policy challenges in Malaysia. Our work is focused on three themes: advancing a competitive economy, ensuring trust in institutions, and promoting an inclusive Malaysia.
We would like to invite you to join the event. The details of the event are as follows:
Date: 27 and 28 October 2020
Time: 9.30 - 11.30 am (MYT/ GMT+8)
Venue: Virtual Conference via Zoom
The purpose of this conference is to facilitate a regional discussion on the management of rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific by sharing best practices from across the region. This two-day conference will consist of 100-minute virtual sessions each day, exploring the discussion on innovati
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) will be hosting a regional conference on rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific. IDEAS is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving understanding and promoting solutions to public policy challenges in Malaysia. Our work is focused on three themes: advancing a competitive economy, ensuring trust in institutions, and promoting an inclusive Malaysia.
We would like to invite you to join the event. The details of the event are as follows:
Date: 27 and 28 October 2020
Time: 9.30 - 11.30 am (MYT/ GMT+8)
Venue: Virtual Conference via Zoom
The purpose of this conference is to facilitate a regional discussion on the management of rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific by sharing best practices from across the region. This two-day conference will consist of 100-minute virtual sessions each day, exploring the discussion on innovati
MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate release
IDEAS urges any dealmaking between Members of Parliament to be done with full transparency and the people’s interests in mind
1.) IDEAS welcomes the decision not to enter a state of Emergency.
2.) IDEAS supports a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) conditional upon three terms.
3.) Politicians on all sides must reach a fully transparent democratic compromise in the interests of the people.
4.) Any compromise reached between Members of Parliament must be oriented towards policy, and not patronage interests.
5.) The CSA must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 October 2020: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) lauds the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after a special meeting with the Malay Rulers, to not grant the Prime Minister’s request to invoke Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, which declares a state of Emergency for Malaysia. His Majesty's decision comes at a time when Malaysia is at a critical juncture of battling against the continued rise of COVID-19 cases and an upcoming Parliamentary sitting where Budget 2021 will be tabled.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh says, “Malaysia’s democratic institutions must always be upheld, and any attempt to usurp Parliamentary democracy must be avoided. Now that it is certain an Emergency will not be proclaimed, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House must put aside their differences and prioritise the health and wellbeing of all Malaysians. In order for this to happen, a compromise must be struck between both Government and Opposition MPs in order for Budget 2021 to be passed on 6 November next Friday, which will undoubtedly involve some form of dealmaking. Several reputable CSOs and MPs have suggested that a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) is needed to seal this compromise. IDEAS welcomes a CSA but conditional upon and only if the terms spelt out below are fulfilled. If executed well, the CSA can potentially be a tool for institutional reforms."
First, IDEAS urges that any negotiations towards achieving this compromise must first and foremost be transparent, as the public deserves to know the intentions of their elected representatives. Second, these negotiations must be policy-oriented in nature, and not involve the promise of patronage-oriented distribution of positions or other lucrative arrangements. Third, they must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
The current surge in COVID-19 infections means that all MPs and government officials must remain focused on the health and economic recovery of the nation. This warrants political and institutional stability, which requires a setting aside of differences until the situation eases.
However, if a general election becomes necessary at a time of COVID-19 as a last resort, then the Election Commission should prepare accordingly to pursue it as the only democratic solution to the current political impasse. We must learn the lessons from the Sabah State Elections, and the Election Commission should be provided with all necessary resources to prepare for that eventuality. Other countries have shown good examples in which general elections can be carried out safely during a pandemic. A complete ban on physical campaigning may have to be considered, which all political parties would need to comply with equally. This would also significantly reduce the costs of a general election.
Until then, all MPs must ensure transparency and accountability in their cooperation and prioritise the passing of Budget 2021. Malaysia desperately needs all of its resources to be concentrated towards rebuilding the country’s economic and social wellbeing. Yeoh said, "The country is truly at a crossroads and the country's leaders have this one opportunity to choose the right path to do the right thing. We hope that they will demonstrate leadership in a time of crisis, today."
-END-
For immediate release
IDEAS urges any dealmaking between Members of Parliament to be done with full transparency and the people’s interests in mind
1.) IDEAS welcomes the decision not to enter a state of Emergency.
2.) IDEAS supports a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) conditional upon three terms.
3.) Politicians on all sides must reach a fully transparent democratic compromise in the interests of the people.
4.) Any compromise reached between Members of Parliament must be oriented towards policy, and not patronage interests.
5.) The CSA must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 October 2020: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) lauds the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after a special meeting with the Malay Rulers, to not grant the Prime Minister’s request to invoke Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, which declares a state of Emergency for Malaysia. His Majesty's decision comes at a time when Malaysia is at a critical juncture of battling against the continued rise of COVID-19 cases and an upcoming Parliamentary sitting where Budget 2021 will be tabled.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh says, “Malaysia’s democratic institutions must always be upheld, and any attempt to usurp Parliamentary democracy must be avoided. Now that it is certain an Emergency will not be proclaimed, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House must put aside their differences and prioritise the health and wellbeing of all Malaysians. In order for this to happen, a compromise must be struck between both Government and Opposition MPs in order for Budget 2021 to be passed on 6 November next Friday, which will undoubtedly involve some form of dealmaking. Several reputable CSOs and MPs have suggested that a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) is needed to seal this compromise. IDEAS welcomes a CSA but conditional upon and only if the terms spelt out below are fulfilled. If executed well, the CSA can potentially be a tool for institutional reforms."
First, IDEAS urges that any negotiations towards achieving this compromise must first and foremost be transparent, as the public deserves to know the intentions of their elected representatives. Second, these negotiations must be policy-oriented in nature, and not involve the promise of patronage-oriented distribution of positions or other lucrative arrangements. Third, they must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
The current surge in COVID-19 infections means that all MPs and government officials must remain focused on the health and economic recovery of the nation. This warrants political and institutional stability, which requires a setting aside of differences until the situation eases.
However, if a general election becomes necessary at a time of COVID-19 as a last resort, then the Election Commission should prepare accordingly to pursue it as the only democratic solution to the current political impasse. We must learn the lessons from the Sabah State Elections, and the Election Commission should be provided with all necessary resources to prepare for that eventuality. Other countries have shown good examples in which general elections can be carried out safely during a pandemic. A complete ban on physical campaigning may have to be considered, which all political parties would need to comply with equally. This would also significantly reduce the costs of a general election.
Until then, all MPs must ensure transparency and accountability in their cooperation and prioritise the passing of Budget 2021. Malaysia desperately needs all of its resources to be concentrated towards rebuilding the country’s economic and social wellbeing. Yeoh said, "The country is truly at a crossroads and the country's leaders have this one opportunity to choose the right path to do the right thing. We hope that they will demonstrate leadership in a time of crisis, today."
-END-
KENYATAAN MEDIA
Untuk sebaran segera
IDEAS menggesa sebarang persetujuan antara Ahli Parlimen dilakukan dengan penuh ketelusan dan mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat
1.) IDEAS mengalu-alukan keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan perintah darurat.
2.) IDEAS menyokong Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (Confidence and Supply Agreement, CSA) bersyarat dengan tiga syarat yang harus dipatuhi.
3.) Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak harus mencapai kompromi yang telus dan demokratik demi kepentingan rakyat.
4.) Sebarang kompromi yang dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen harus berorientasikan polisi, bukannya melindungi kepentingan peribadi.
5.) CSA tidak boleh melibatkan sebarang kompromi berkenaan tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 Oktober 2020: Institut Demokrasi dan Hal Ehwal Ekonomi (IDEAS) memuji keputusan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, selepas satu mesyuarat khas bersama Raja-raja Melayu, untuk tidak memperkenankan cadangan Perdana Menteri menggunapakai Perkara 150 Perlembagaan Persekutuan, iaitu mengisytiharkan satu perintah Darurat di Malaysia. Keputusan Baginda tiba ketika Malaysia sedang berada di satu persimpangan penting untuk melawan peningkatan kes COVID-19 dan juga satu persidangan Parlimen yang Belanjawan 2021 akan dibentangkan.
Mengulas perkembangan ini, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IDEAS, Tricia Yeoh berkata, “Institusi demokrasi Malaysia harus sentiasa didokong, dan sebarang percubaan untuk meragut demokrasi berparlimen ini mesti dielakkan. Keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan Darurat bermakna Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak di Dewan Rakyat perlu mengenepikan perbezaan mereka dan memberi keutamaan kepada kesihatan dan kesejahteraan semua rakyat Malaysia. Demi menjadikannya satu realiti, satu kompromi mesti dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen kerajaan dan juga pembangkang supaya Belanjawan 2021 dapat diluluskan pada Jumaat, 6 November akan datang, yang tidak dinafikan akan melibatkan beberapa bentuk persetujuan. Beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen dan organisasi masyarakat sivil (CSO) yang berwibawa telah memberi cadangan bahawa satu Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (CSA) diperlukan untuk memeterai kompromi ini. IDEAS mengalu-alukan CSA ini secara bersyarat, hanya jika terma-terma yang akan dinyatakan ini dipenuhi. Jika dilaksanakan dengan baik, CSA ini berpotensi menjadi alat untuk penambahbaikan institusi.”
Pertama, IDEAS menggesa agar sebarang perundingan ke arah kompromi ini dilakukan dengan telus kerana rakyat Malaysia berhak untuk mengetahui maksud dan tujuan sebarang tindakan wakil rakyat yang mereka pilih. Kedua, perundingan ini harus berorientasikan polisi, dan bukan melibatkan sebarang janji berorientasikan pernaungan politik, pengagihan jawatan dan apa-apa rundingan yang menguntungkan. Ketiga, proses perundingan ini tidak boleh melibatkan apa-apa kompromi terhadap tuduhan-tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Peningkatan jangkitan COVID-19 buat masa ini mewajibkan semua Ahli Parlimen dan pegawai kerajaan kekal fokus kepada pemulihan kesihatan dan ekonomi negara. Hal ini mewajarkan kestabilan politik dan institusi serta segala perbezaan diketepikan sehingga situasi kembali pulih.
Namun, andai PRU menjadi satu kemestian pada waktu COVID-19 sebagai satu jalan terakhir, maka Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya harus bersedia untuk menjalankannya sebagai satu-satunya penyelesaian demokratik kepada kebuntuan politik semasa. Kita harus mengambil iktibar daripada PRN Sabah, dan SPR perlu dibekalkan dengan segala sumber yang diperlukan untuk bersedia ke arah kebarangkalian tersebut. Beberapa negara lain telah menunjukkan contoh yang baik bagaimana pilihan raya boleh dijalankan dengan selamat ketika wabak melanda. Satu larangan menyeluruh ke atas proses berkempen secara fizikal perlu dipertimbangkan dan semua parti politik perlu mematuhinya secara saksama. Hal ini juga akan mengurangkan kos mengadakan pilihan raya.
Untuk sebaran segera
IDEAS menggesa sebarang persetujuan antara Ahli Parlimen dilakukan dengan penuh ketelusan dan mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat
1.) IDEAS mengalu-alukan keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan perintah darurat.
2.) IDEAS menyokong Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (Confidence and Supply Agreement, CSA) bersyarat dengan tiga syarat yang harus dipatuhi.
3.) Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak harus mencapai kompromi yang telus dan demokratik demi kepentingan rakyat.
4.) Sebarang kompromi yang dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen harus berorientasikan polisi, bukannya melindungi kepentingan peribadi.
5.) CSA tidak boleh melibatkan sebarang kompromi berkenaan tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 Oktober 2020: Institut Demokrasi dan Hal Ehwal Ekonomi (IDEAS) memuji keputusan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, selepas satu mesyuarat khas bersama Raja-raja Melayu, untuk tidak memperkenankan cadangan Perdana Menteri menggunapakai Perkara 150 Perlembagaan Persekutuan, iaitu mengisytiharkan satu perintah Darurat di Malaysia. Keputusan Baginda tiba ketika Malaysia sedang berada di satu persimpangan penting untuk melawan peningkatan kes COVID-19 dan juga satu persidangan Parlimen yang Belanjawan 2021 akan dibentangkan.
Mengulas perkembangan ini, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IDEAS, Tricia Yeoh berkata, “Institusi demokrasi Malaysia harus sentiasa didokong, dan sebarang percubaan untuk meragut demokrasi berparlimen ini mesti dielakkan. Keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan Darurat bermakna Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak di Dewan Rakyat perlu mengenepikan perbezaan mereka dan memberi keutamaan kepada kesihatan dan kesejahteraan semua rakyat Malaysia. Demi menjadikannya satu realiti, satu kompromi mesti dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen kerajaan dan juga pembangkang supaya Belanjawan 2021 dapat diluluskan pada Jumaat, 6 November akan datang, yang tidak dinafikan akan melibatkan beberapa bentuk persetujuan. Beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen dan organisasi masyarakat sivil (CSO) yang berwibawa telah memberi cadangan bahawa satu Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (CSA) diperlukan untuk memeterai kompromi ini. IDEAS mengalu-alukan CSA ini secara bersyarat, hanya jika terma-terma yang akan dinyatakan ini dipenuhi. Jika dilaksanakan dengan baik, CSA ini berpotensi menjadi alat untuk penambahbaikan institusi.”
Pertama, IDEAS menggesa agar sebarang perundingan ke arah kompromi ini dilakukan dengan telus kerana rakyat Malaysia berhak untuk mengetahui maksud dan tujuan sebarang tindakan wakil rakyat yang mereka pilih. Kedua, perundingan ini harus berorientasikan polisi, dan bukan melibatkan sebarang janji berorientasikan pernaungan politik, pengagihan jawatan dan apa-apa rundingan yang menguntungkan. Ketiga, proses perundingan ini tidak boleh melibatkan apa-apa kompromi terhadap tuduhan-tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Peningkatan jangkitan COVID-19 buat masa ini mewajibkan semua Ahli Parlimen dan pegawai kerajaan kekal fokus kepada pemulihan kesihatan dan ekonomi negara. Hal ini mewajarkan kestabilan politik dan institusi serta segala perbezaan diketepikan sehingga situasi kembali pulih.
Namun, andai PRU menjadi satu kemestian pada waktu COVID-19 sebagai satu jalan terakhir, maka Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya harus bersedia untuk menjalankannya sebagai satu-satunya penyelesaian demokratik kepada kebuntuan politik semasa. Kita harus mengambil iktibar daripada PRN Sabah, dan SPR perlu dibekalkan dengan segala sumber yang diperlukan untuk bersedia ke arah kebarangkalian tersebut. Beberapa negara lain telah menunjukkan contoh yang baik bagaimana pilihan raya boleh dijalankan dengan selamat ketika wabak melanda. Satu larangan menyeluruh ke atas proses berkempen secara fizikal perlu dipertimbangkan dan semua parti politik perlu mematuhinya secara saksama. Hal ini juga akan mengurangkan kos mengadakan pilihan raya.