KUALA LUMPUR – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has proposed the setting up of a special panel of doctors to aid Malaysia’s battle against Covid-19.
While Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has done a good job and put in tremendous effort, said the former prime minister, the expertise of more than one person is needed to address the crisis.
“There are dozens of doctors who are of the opinion that our current methods alone are not enough. I really hope the government will take into consideration these views.
“I would like to congratulate Dr Noor Hisham for his work, but one man is not enough. There needs to be ideas from more people… He is a brilliant doctor, but his opinion alone will not suffice.
“Perhaps, set up a panel of doctors on what is happening and what needs to be done,” he told an interview with Astro Awani this morning.
Dr Mahathir said the panel can include experts from related fields, as any effort to contain the coronavirus requires the participation of a larger group.
“What we are doing today is very limited. At this moment, we need the opinions of more people with the knowledge to handle Covid-19.”
This is particularly important, considering the pandemic’s huge impact on the country, including the economy, employment and investment, he said.
“Many are out of a job, but I see no attention by the government to address this social issue. The economy is another problem. I am saddened to hear that many automakers’ factories have had to shut down because of restrictions by the government.
“All these will have a negative impact on the economy. Certainly, foreign investors will not come here.”
The Langkawi MP suggested that parliamentarians take a 10% pay cut to assist Malaysians affected by income loss.
While some in the government are enjoying full pay, and perhaps more, he said, many others in the country are struggling to put food on the table.
“I think there should be better distribution among us. If the government really doesn’t have any more money, then cut 10% of my salary, and that of other MPs.
“Many will not be happy, although they have more money than they can spend to continue living. But that’s their right.” – The Vibes, January 17, 2021
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