Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Romzi Ationg said voters are now becoming increasingly unconvinced with the government over the constant changes, adding it has done little to win public confidence.
“The people are not only unhappy but their confidence (in GRS) is also diminishing because of how they are dealing with the pandemic,” he told FMT.
“Some are even contending that the policymakers have shown inconsistency and incompetence in providing solutions for the rakyat.
“The people voted (for GRS) because they were unhappy with the previous government.”
As such, Romzi said the present state administration should think hard about solving problems if it wanted to avoid a similar sentiment from the people.
On Monday, trading hours for business operations in Sabah, including restaurants and supermarkets, were changed for the third time in two days. The affected businesses can now operate from 7am to 7pm.
The change was announced by state local government and housing minister Masidi Manjun. On Sunday, Masidi had announced streamlined business hours from 9am to 5pm, then amended it an hour later to 9am to 6pm.
Masidi, who is the state’s spokesperson for Covid-19, said the latest amendments to the operating hours of the business and services sector were made after taking note of feedback from various parties.
Sabah UiTM’s Tony Paridi Bagang said the flip-flop decisions have created a negative perception on the state government.
“This has led to confusion and criticism. If this persists, it could affect the public confidence and negative impression of how the Sabah government is handling Covid-19 situation here.
“Such decisions should be avoided or should not happen. The state government knows better the situation here hence it should be more proactive and efficient in making decisions for the people and the state.
“Whatever decision is made, it must be well thought of and firm once enforced. Sometimes, it may not be a popular decision but it could be the best for people’s safety and welfare,” he said.
Sabah Employers Association president Yap Cheen Boon said it was commendable that the state government took charge in deciding who in the essential services and goods sector should operate instead of allowing the international trade and industry ministry to call the shots.
He said the government can refine its approach further by having a panel of industry representatives for consultation and discussion.
“It’s not good to keep changing SOPs like this. It shows that even after more than a year, the basic thing to do (which is to) have this panel is still not done.
“The panel is not just to set practical and timely SOPs to synchronise with announcements but also to allow dissemination of information to various sectors more efficiently,” he said.