Mature democracies worldwide do indeed announce decisions, policies and government thinking through press conference, writes Sharp Observer.
There has been a lot of criticism about our finance minister’s habit of announcing policies through press conferences.
I beg to differ. Mature democracies worldwide do indeed announce decisions, policies and government thinking through press conference as this is the best way to disseminate information.
The White House even has a press spokesman who regularly briefs journalist on latest policies and government matters.
Downing Street does the same as well. The prime minister will appear in front of No 10 and speak to the media directly.
In Malaysia, we are not used to this modern way. We are used to the prime minister and ministers announcing policies during the opening of a supermarket or at a party conference or even at a sports carnival. This has been the antiquated practice all this while.
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At times, the subject matter of the announcement and the function would be totally off but ministers have been doing this for ages and Malaysians do not see how poor this habit was.
Government matters should be relayed directly to the people through the media. Press conferences or media releases are the best way.
Sharp Observer is the pseudonym of regular follower of Aliran.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Sarah Sanders is the White House press secretary; Theresa May is the PM. It’s their duty to speak to the press. They deliver concerted announcements. LGE is neither press secretary nor PM. Ref:
https://www.todayonline.com/world/new-billion-ringgit-scandal-discovered-finance-ministrys-red-files-lim-guan-eng
“Mr Lim also said he will inform Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad about the discovery of this latest scandal.” He made the announcement *before* informing the PM — on such a serious issue. What do you mean by ‘modern’? Which year is your cutoff point for ‘modern’?