Government Transparency in Survey Findings Questioned
WP MP Gerald Giam has raised concerns regarding the transparency of government surveys, specifically questioning whether ministries are forthcoming about their involvement in such surveys and if the findings would be shared with the public. Minister Rahayu Mahzam initially expressed skepticism towards Giam’s claims, but later refrained from providing a clear response. The Minister justified the lack of disclosure by citing concerns about potential biases in responses and the need to maintain confidentiality.
Giam’s Call for Clarity
In a recent interaction, Giam pressed for greater transparency in the handling of survey data, emphasizing the importance of public access to information gathered through government-led surveys. He highlighted the need for ministries to openly acknowledge their participation in these surveys and to commit to sharing the results with the wider populace.
Minister Mahzam’s Response
In response to Giam’s inquiries, Minister Rahayu Mahzam initially expressed doubts about the necessity for full disclosure of survey details. She suggested that revealing the extent of ministry involvement in surveys could potentially lead to skewed responses from participants. Additionally, the Minister cited the importance of maintaining confidentiality surrounding certain survey data as a reason for not openly sharing all findings with the public.
Debate on Transparency vs. Confidentiality
The exchange between Giam and Minister Mahzam underscores a broader debate within the government about the balance between transparency and confidentiality in survey practices. While transparency is crucial for ensuring accountability and fostering trust in government-led initiatives, concerns about data privacy and the integrity of survey responses also play a significant role in decision-making around disclosure.
Implications for Public Trust
The lack of clarity surrounding the disclosure of survey findings raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Without a clear policy on sharing survey data with the public, there is a risk of eroding trust in the government’s handling of important information that could impact policy decisions and public perceptions.
Conclusion
As WP MP Gerald Giam continues to advocate for greater transparency in government surveys, the response from Minister Rahayu Mahzam highlights the complexities involved in balancing transparency and confidentiality. Moving forward, it will be essential for the government to consider how best to address concerns about data privacy while upholding the principles of openness and accountability in its survey practices. Clarity and consistency in disclosing survey findings will be key to maintaining public trust and confidence in government-led initiatives.
Source
This article is written in response to original article.
