Disclose Covid-19 strategy and measures urgently: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – With Covid-19 cases showing no sign of slowing down, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the government to reveal with urgency the steps it is taking to deal with the pandemic and ensure economic recovery.  

This is especially as the public health facilities are being overwhelmed by the number of daily cases, the opposition leader and PKR president said in a statement today.  

“The government must urgently disclose its strategy and measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 as our healthcare system is already under tremendous pressure to cope with the rising cases, as well as what their plans are to ensure our economy continues to operate under these difficult conditions.  

“I reiterate my deep gratitude towards frontline workers who continue to risk their health and sacrifice tremendously for the safety and security of our nation,” he said.  

Anwar’s statement comes ahead of a major announcement set to be made by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today.  

While there is no confirmation yet, Muhyiddin is expected to announce much stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs), that could see movement restrictions that are much more like the first phase of the movement control order (MCO).

This is as the country continues to record a high number of Covid-19 daily infections, breaching the 3,000 mark just last Thursday.

Among the latest victims to test positive are Cabinet ministers Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Datuk Seri Rina Harun.  

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had said on Friday that cases could continue to rise up to 8,000 new ones daily by the end of May, if the country’s coronavirus infectivity rate continues at 1.1.  

While wishing a speedy recovery to Mustapa and Rina, Anwar said the projection of 8,000 daily new cases is very concerning.  

“I urge each and every one to observe SOPs and do the most possible to protect themselves, their families, work colleagues and friends from the spread of the disease.  

“It is of utmost importance that we do our part irrespective of our position, race, religion or party affiliation. In particular, all political leaders must do more to protect and care for the people, who do not receive such benefits as those that are in power,” he said. – The Vibes, January 11, 2021