Government Transformation Programmes (GTP) and GE-13 : Advocacy and voter acceptance

This article discusses the impact of the Malaysian Government Transformation Programmes (GTP) designed to make the bureaucracy and the civil services more satisfactory to the public. Focus of discussion is on the extent of advocacy and acceptance of the programmes by members of the public and their perception of the GTP outcome. Adopting the methods of content analysis, surveys, and focus group discussions, the study found that advocacy was done frequently through electronic media from categories of news segments and commercials as well as through online print media. Most of the respondents were found to be highly aware of, and did understand the GTP. However,the acceptance level of the GTP was only moderate. Their reaction towards the GTP impacts varied significantly. There was no perceived impact on crime and corruption eradication programmes while a minimum impact was indicated for programmes to reduce the cost of living, to raise the living standards of low-income households, and to upgrade rural infrastructure. A significant impact was only perceived for programmes designed to enhance students’ achievement and urban public transportation. Overall, the findings point to the need for the government to focus on improving the understanding of the people about the GTP so that they would become more receptive of, and engaged with the programmes.