PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement asking the people to be patient is completely unreasonable and disconnected from reality.
Today, Malaysia recorded 13215 cases, which is the highest figure since the pandemic began.
In the past week alone, Malaysia recorded a series of the highest number of cases of 9353 (July 10), 11079 (Monday), and 11618 (yesterday) respectively. The infectivity rate (Rt) remained above the 1.0 level and yesterday recorded the highest figure, 1.19. The number of Covid-19 cases is clearly out of control.
To date, contract doctors have not been given a final word on their status. Instead, some are being threatened. Many are tired and depressed.
The economy is volatile. Malaysians’ savings are running out with Employees’ Provident Fund withdrawals threatening the stability of their future funds.
The moratorium granted still bears interest. In fact, it is not a moratorium, but just a restructuring of loans.
Due to the dire economic and public health situation, more and more people are suffering from mental health problems. In the first five months of 2021 alone, there were 468 suicide cases. Many of those affected also involve teenagers and the youth.
The food and beverage (F&B), hospitality and tourism, as well as arts and creative industries are also in critical situations. Many workers and figures in these sectors are no longer able to survive and are forced to close down.
MPs who attempt to assist the people in need, are burdened with various bureaucratic hurdles. Those who voice the plight of the people are threatened by authorities, including activists, doctors, and students.
The lives and future of the people are getting more difficult. As long as this failed government does not change, black and white flags, and not blue ones, will continue to soar. Protests in the virtual and physical spaces, too, will only increase.
The prime minister and the Perikatan Nasional government, which seems to live in another world altogether, must step down and resign. – The Vibes, July 15, 2021
Muda is multi-racial and youth-centered political organisation