M’sia needs science-based leadership to contain Covid-19, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Wearing face masks and practising social distancing are merely stopgap measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, but what the country desperately needs is a firm leadership based on strong science, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The opposition leader said under science-based governance, the government must share clear and transparent data with the people, such as remaining consistent with the amount of Covid-19 tests carried out daily.

“The testing must be consistent; it should not change from day to day. This is because the number of cases found depends on the testing conducted. The data must be clearer and not cause any confusion,” he said during a special live stream session on Facebook and Zoom, discussing strategies to lead the country into a post-Covid-19 world and revive its economy.

The PKR president said a leadership based on transparent data will assist the government in carrying out truly effective initiatives to revitalise the economy, which has been severely suffering during the pandemic.

“We should not be too excited to steer the economy as, at the same time, other problems arise, such as the ones we face now. We open factories, but fail to ensure they follow SOPs (standard operating procedures), leading to more infections.”

During the talk, Anwar outlined four core areas of his post-Covid-19 measures, which first touch on having effective strategies to tackle the current pandemic and prepare Malaysia for future health threats.

Secondly, he mentioned consolidating the economy to address Covid-19 effects and rebuild economic growth in the country.

“This is clearly important because people and the international community, whether local or foreign investors, must have confidence that the government is capable, strong and strict; therefore, investments will come in.

“Without that, we become unstable, similar to steering a ship without a clear direction.”

Thirdly, Anwar said, the socio-economic well-being of the people could be strengthened using technology and a knowledge-based economy.

“Socio-economic (aspects) are important because we cannot proceed with the MCO (movement control order) and leave the rakyat hungry, there must be a financial injection.

“Where does the money come from? If we need to borrow, then we should borrow.

“It is not for megaprojects or wasteful developments, but to reduce the burden of the B60 (group). We cannot just account for the B40, as we should also relieve the M40 of their burden.”

Finally, he noted that the problems in the country will be solved with proper leadership and consensus that transcends partisan politics. – The Vibes, June 14, 2021