LETTER | Not more power, but more competency

LETTER | It is as if the present emergency rule is not enough. Now there is even a suggestion for National Operations Council (NOC) rule.

Seriously, are we out of our mind, or are we simply too distraught to think straight?

Sometimes, I think we don’t even know we are oxymoronic. In normal times, we have democracy. But in an emergency or when the country is in crisis, we shall have emergency rule and suspension of checks and balances and fundamental rights.

So, what does this mean? Why don't we have emergency rule, or better still NOC rule all the time? Surely a model that is good during an emergency or a crisis should be better during normal time, am I right?

If democracy is useless, why not discard it?

Sometimes, I think the whole world is being indoctrinated into believing that democracy is inefficient and cumbersome. But in what way is 'dictatorship' better – more efficient and effective in abusing power and taking away the rights of the people?

The reality is, the ruling establishment is populated by people who just want to sustain power, whatever the cost. It does not matter if they are incompetent or incapable of resolving the issues at hand.

In fact, our democracy did not hinder those in power to carry out their tasks. It is about the right choice they should be making, that is, are they doing it for the people or themselves? We should never get it wrong; there is never a lack of power in a democracy to tackle a crisis if power is directed in the right direction and on the right issues.

I think our politicians are trying to blame our system of government for their lack of ability and competency to provide cogent solutions to the crisis.

What can NOC and emergency rules provide – more power to provide solutions or more power to abuse or stay in power?

I think the central issue here is idea, expertise and competency, not more power. Do we have ideas and the right expertise? Have we solicited the right people for help? Do we have competency at every level of our administration - from the one regulating the traffic outside the vaccination centre to the director-general of the Health Ministry?

Hey, asking the right questions and focusing on the right issues is competency.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.