KUALA LUMPUR – The country’s transition to the endemic phase from April 1 does not mean that Malaysians should forget the new norms that have been practised for over two years following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the people should continue practising them, including personal hygiene.
“Let’s not do away with these new norms. For example, wearing face masks. In the past, wearing face masks was alien to us, but now we feel something is wrong if we don’t wear them,” he said in the “Responsif” programme on TV1 last night.
Annuar said other policies and practices, such as working from home and purchasing goods via online platforms, can remain a way of life, even though the situation has returned to normal.
“The same goes for ventilation systems in buildings. In the past, no one cared about them but now they have become something that needs to be given attention...we should make adjustments where appropriate,” he added.
On the possibility of holding the 15th general election once the country enters the transition to the endemic phase, Annuar said the government has to look at it from several aspects.
“When an election should be held is at the discretion of the government of the day. The first factor is if it (Parliament) has reached its full term, and second is whether the current situation allows the democratic process to run, in terms of security and so on.
“The government has to decide on these things and the transition period is the best time for the government to consider whether the general election can be held or not,” he said.
However, Annuar said the process to dissolve Parliament was no small matter and needed to take into account its impact on the country, including in terms of investments, ongoing policies, and economic growth. – Bernama, March 30, 2022
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