Why study public policy?At UCSI University?

By Dr. Ong Kian Ming14th January, 2011

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Example (I): Khairy’s Question to Donald LimSiang Chai, Deputy Minister of Finance Khairy Jamaluddin queried the MOF as to its long term plans for

seeking a strategic foreign partner for Proton and if this would involve a strategic equity stake in Proton Holdings Berhad

The deputy minister’s answer was to say that Proton is still looking for a foreign partner and that the government is trying to make Proton more competitive

Khairy has posted in his tweet today that he “just heard the worst answer in the parliament in my two years as an MP”.“Finance Ministry thinks this MP’s question is a joke and gave a slipshod answer. Reading Proton’s financial report was a waste of time. The deputy finance minister’s answer more or less says that ‘the government will make sure Proton is more competitive. Full stop,” he said in his tweet post.

Donald Lim later blamed a Khazanah officer for providing him with the slipshod answer

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Example (II): Chua Soi Lek’s references to Islamic countriesThey are less democratic because they emphasise more on religion.Although these countries have Cabinets and elections but they also

have a Council of Muslim Elders, which enjoys absolute power to override the decisions or policies made by the government.

Some of these countries are practicing absolute monarchy.Since these countries formulate their policy using religion as basis,

policies formulated will not be in par with the global development requirement. Thus the economic growth of these countries are always not ideal.

The total population of these countries made up 22% of the world population, however they only contributed 5% to the global GDP, hence most of these Muslim-majority countries are poor nations.

Some of the poorest nations in the world are the Muslim nations such as Somalia and Ethiopia.

He equates Islam with bad public policy decisions and outcomes

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Public ‘gaffes’ reflect an underlying weakness in public policy understandingLack of knowledge of basic concepts in

economics, political science, public policy and finance

Lack of knowledge of what positive public policy outcomes are and how to get there

Lack of knowledge in regard to dependent and independent variables of interest

Lack of knowledge in regard to the proper communication of public policy

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A Masters in Public Policy (MPP) program will create well rounded graduatesAn MPP program would give a broad

overview on important conceptual frameworks in economics, finance and political science so as to equip graduates to understand and analyze public policies using a diverse tool kit

An MPP program would cover both qualitative as well as quantitative analytical tools

An MPP program would cover aspects of public policy implementation as well as communication

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An MPP graduate will be equipped to have a number of value added skillsTo design, analyze and formulate public

policies from the perspective of multiple stakeholders.

To verbally articulate and communicate these issues and concerns.

To translate them onto paper as public policies proposals.

To develop action-frames for implementing these policies in a timely, efficient and inclusive manner.

To set up a system for timely, effective and periodic review of the policies and programmes.

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Why choose the MPP program at UCSI University?Theoretically grounded as well as intensely applied ‘Practical’ components would include

Organizing forums and mock public hearingsField learning trips to various ministries and areas of

specific policy interestParticipating in consulting type projects on public policy

documentsWriting Press Releases

Learning from wide ranging adjunct faculty and special guest lecturers

Be part of an MBA-like cohort Civil Servants, Representatives from Local Conglomerates,

Aspiring Political Representatives, NGO representatives and others.

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Who are we looking for?Qualities of an MPP candidate

Intellectually Curious / Have an open mindWilling to push the envelopePassionate about public policyWanting to make a differenceWilling to engage and debate difficult public

policy issuesNot wanting to get a Masters for the sake of

getting a Masters