e-Risalah USIM - Edisi Disember 2022

DISEMBER 2022 19 | wider range of study scopes. Yet, the conditions of a particular contract of consultation may nonetheless prevent the research results from always being made public, preventing dissemination via publications. Furthermore, recommendations pertaining to sensitive issues will normally be subject to political vetting and potentially be encumbered by the lack of political will to act upon and address them. Another possible track for academics to contribute towards policy and practice is through their involvement in ministerial and non- governmental task force and technical committees. Last but not least, there are special appointments for academics designated by governmental institutions or agencies, which afford another effective channel for research findings to influence policy directions. IPSOM has been active in promoting the significance of creating high-quality policy papers for policy improvements and public reference. One of the initiatives pioneered by IPSOM is their compilation of policy papers developed by academic researchers that engage with them through various research projects and collaborations. The speaker from IPSOM emphasized that in order to produce effective policy papers, one must have a thorough understanding of state policies and regulations since such official norms must be in harmony and not contradictory with policy outputs and recommendations formulated through policy papers. For instance, long and short-term national and international policies and goals should be part of the framework to guide thinking and analysis in the process of producing a policy paper. The relationships between all such goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, relevant Malaysia Plans and ministerial policies must be comprehensively studied so that policy recommendations are strategically aligned with governmental pursuits and aspirations. The structure of the analysis and arguments for policy papers must contain three specific attributes, namely, the quality of being concise, precise and uncomplicated. In terms of methodology, the feasibility of options and decisions can be driven by a number of common policy analytical frameworks, which include the frameworks of PESTEL (political, economic, sociological, technological, legal and environmental), the Pareto principle, 7S model by McKinsey (staff, skill, shared value, strategy, structure, style, system), Fishbone Diagram by Ishikawa and SWOT-TOWS (threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths) matrix of analysis. Other than the importance of adopting a good format and structure, researchers should consider the heuristic strategy of 5W1H, which refers to asking the following set of questions to direct them in defining and analysing policy issues and problems, distilling conclusions and providing actionable recommendations. Policymakers often find several pitfalls in the analyses, findings and recommendations by academics that tend to offer theoretically-oriented discussions that prioritise academic rather than practical and policy gaps. The absence of practical recommendations that are capable of being implemented and that are parallel to governmental goals and aspirations is another drawback that frequently jeopardizes the quality of a good policy paper. In their final observations, the expert speakers reiterated the importance of research to always be evidence-based, solution-driven, and practical in order for it to be usefully and meaningfully adapted for policy and practice. Last but not least, there is always the need for constant interactions between academia and policymakers so the latter can be informed of the latest research findings and the former to factor in the evidence needs of policymakers and get them involved in the research phase. In short, needs assessment, mutual partnerships and capacity building are important recipe for quality research to positively influence policymaking. Who? When? Why? What? Where? How? Who are the targeted stakeholders? When is the suitable implementation period for the suggested policy/ policies? Why are the policy/ policies needed by the relevant organisation(s)? What are the main issues to be tackled? Where can the impacts of the suggested policy/ policies be directed to? (Acts/ procedures/practices) How can the suggested policy/policies be implemented? Initiative Main Question Table 1: Heuristic strategy of 5W1H