Gobind: Thumbs up to DAP ministers, but improvement needed
Although “happy” with the performances of his fellow DAP ministers as Pakatan Harapan closes in on its first year in government, Gobind Singh Deo today acknowledged there is still much room for improvement.
The communications and multimedia minister was asked to comment on former Council of Eminent Persons chairperson Daim Zainuddin saying that the cabinet had failed to communicate its policies to the people...
Although “happy” with the performances of his fellow DAP ministers as Pakatan Harapan closes in on its first year in government, Gobind Singh Deo today acknowledged there is still much room for improvement.
The communications and multimedia minister was asked to comment on former Council of Eminent Persons chairperson Daim Zainuddin saying that the cabinet had failed to communicate its policies to the people.
“Of course I am happy with DAP ministers, I am happy with all the ministers' performances. At the end of the day, yes it has been 10 months, there is a lot that we have learnt.
“I am of the view that there is a lot more that we can do for us to improve, and we are looking at that,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.
Gobind explained that although many cabinet members have adjusted to their roles, they are still coming to terms with the various tools of communication available to them.
“Over time, we have assimilated ourselves with what the requirements are, but nevertheless, if you look at how it is, we have many modes of communication, especially social media, so there are bigger challenges ahead of us.
"We are trying to solve those problems,” he said.
Working around the clock
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, meanwhile, said the cabinet will discuss the issue of ministers' performances in its coming meeting.
Dzulkefly, however, declined to comment specifically when questioned about Daim's remarks.
Instead, he said that as a minister, he has to take into account the people’s feedback.
“I cannot comment on that, Daim has every right to comment on us. As a minister, I’m part of the team, and whatever people say, we have to take notice and take stock of it.
"The biggest room is the room for improvement," he added.
Dzulkefly added that all ministers were nonetheless working “around the clock,” and it was hoped the “management” was aware of their efforts.
In a series of interviews published by The Star on Sunday, Daim said public grouses have grown, despite the initial euphoria over Harapan’s win in last year's general election.
He said it was up to all ministers to communicate better with the public, and claimed it is often up to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to explain government policies.
“It should be a collective responsibility of the cabinet. Everybody must go down and explain, but that is where the failure is.
"It is the failure of communication,” he was quoted as saying.
Nevertheless, Daim stressed that the power-sharing conflicts seen to be afflicting the Harapan administration were merely “teething problems."
