The decision to declare a state of emergency is being deemed a glaring example of reactive governance.

This comes from former Government Minister Vasant Bharath who says the move appears less like a genuine attempt to address the root causes of crime and more like a ploy to salvage public confidence.

He believes government has had ample opportunity over the past nine years to implement meaningful reforms to tackle crime, strengthen institutions and borders, and address the socio-economic issues that breed violence.

Mr Bharath says while a state of emergency might temporarily suppress criminal activities, it does not resolve systemic issues.