Perils of government policy flip-flops

WHAT do the United States government’s backtracking on its TikTok ban, and flip-flopping on tariffs on Canada and Mexico have in common with Malaysia’s shifting stance on vape laws? They all reflect the dangers of poorly planned policies that get reversed just as quickly as they are introduced, creating confusion, uncertainty and unintended consequences.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s recent statement that the government is open to reconsidering a ban on vaping is a textbook example of this problem.