The Malaysian Government has underscored the importance of strategic communication as a critical pillar of effective governance, stressing that sound policies alone are not enough unless they are clearly communicated to the public to build trust and confidence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Lukanisman Awang Sauni, made the remarks during an interactive session with participants of the Malaysia Foreign Media Visitors’ Programme (MFMVP) 2026.
The programme, organised under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), brought together journalists from 10 countries, including Nigeria.
Drawing on his previous experience as Deputy Minister of Health, Lukanisman said effective communication plays a vital role in helping citizens understand government policies and their shared responsibilities.
He explained that while the government is committed to expanding healthcare infrastructure by building more clinics and hospitals, citizens also have a responsibility to safeguard their health through healthy lifestyles, moderated sugar intake, and regular medical check-ups, which are provided free of charge.
According to him, Malaysia has increasingly shifted its healthcare strategy from treatment to prevention by promoting healthier living and encouraging early detection of diseases through sustained public awareness campaigns.
Lukanisman described the media as a key partner in communicating government policies, while emphasising the need for accurate and responsible journalism.
He noted that Malaysia upholds freedom of speech and welcomes constructive criticism of government policies, provided such criticism is supported by facts and evidence.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the deputy minister said strategic communication proved especially valuable during the public health crisis. Rather than appointing a politician as the government’s spokesperson, Malaysia relied on its Director-General of Health to deliver regular public briefings.
He said the decision helped strengthen public confidence, with the health official becoming the trusted face of the country’s pandemic response.
According to Lukanisman, clear, simple and relatable messaging is essential for governments seeking to effectively engage citizens and address their concerns.
He also encouraged public officials to remain accessible to journalists, noting that prompt and open communication helps foster professional trust between government institutions and the media.
The deputy minister concluded that effective governance depends not only on developing sound policies but also on communicating them clearly, consistently and credibly to the public.
Source:NAN
