THE now-infamous guidelines from the Religious Affairs Ministry, rejected by the Cabinet after a day of it getting bashed online, are seen as an additional fiasco from the Madani government’s communication department.
Moderate advocates and rights groups in Malaysia argue that Muslims are already aware of the dos and don’ts regarding non-Muslim worship events and do not require guidance on these matters. Groups like G25 strongly oppose such guidelines, deeming them unnecessary and detrimental to national unity.
But netizens added that the communication skills in this government are to be desired. This is one of the many U-turns from the government since it took power.
Announcements such as those that aren’t finalised at higher levels or do not have the consensus of the government caused such a huge stir on social media. This was completely avoidable. Some feel that after two years, the government should find a more suitable way in terms of communicating their ideas to the public.
Kenapa komunikasi kerajaan ni teruk sangat?
1.Benda tak rasmi, belum finalize, dalam kajian, kenapa kalut umumkan?
2.Akaun rasmi boleh tak berhenti RT ciapan cytro?
3.Hentikanlah kenyataan media berjela-jela!Dah dua tahun lebih, benda asas macam ni pun nak kena ulang lagi.
— Luqkerman Tarmizi (@luq_tarmizi) February 7, 2025
Others stated that this could be a Madani attempt or tactic to see how the public will react to such potential rulings or guidelines set by the government. Then an official response would be made to explain the situation better towards the general public. But the public felt duped, perhaps.
Test water. Release intentionally to see how the public react…pastu the “official” response will be adjust accordingly… https://t.co/nBp5i8n35j
— Maxie (@maxzchua) February 8, 2025
Others suggested a press secretary similar to the one in the White House to answer all the questions. Whether this would be better for Madani, prone to fiascos, is to be seen. — Feb 8, 2025
Is having a Press Secretary, similar to White House, who gives press conference periodically (instead of the present hopeless government spokesman) feasible?
At present the rakyat are kept in the dark and answers are long overdue. https://t.co/DnCyUMf5xa
— Truth (@twitmsian) February 8, 2025
Main photo credit: Bernama
