KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s veteran lawmaker Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has urged the government to impose lockdowns in specific areas seriously affected by Covid-19 and leave those who are not affected out.
The Gua Musang MP said doing so would minimise disruption to economic activities.
“Boosting our economy should be given greater priority from now on,” he said in a statement today.
He said effort should also be made so that no one will go hungry, and the government should do more to assist the poor and vulnerable.
“We must do whatever it takes to ensure that no one goes hungry, even for a day. Hunger, if it happens, would be the greatest sin of our society and the government has the responsibility to ensure it does not happen,” said Razaleigh.
He also urged the government to reconsider its move to acquire the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer, given that the item needs to be stored at -80°C and in specialised facilities, which Malaysia currently lacks.
“I strongly urge the government to reconsider this Pfizer deal,” he said, urging Putrajaya to be extra careful in procuring effective vaccines and stressing that they must be suitable for the country’s climate.
Tengku Razaleigh, a former finance minister, also urged the government to address the digital gap in the country as many rural areas lack internet access.
He expressed concern that teachers may not have the right skill-sets to carry out online teaching as many schools and universities are now closed due to the pandemic.
On corruption, he said graft busters should give greater attention to combating graft in the private sector, instead of just targeting politicians and civil servants as is now perceived.
He said he is aware of the difficulty of getting evidence to charge those involved in corruption.
Therefore, authorities should find more creative but legitimate ways to prevent and deter corruption by improving the chances of prosecution, he added.
They can do so by crafting new laws if necessary, and the public should come forward to assist the authorities in ending corruption.
He also called for guidelines and rules regarding donations to political parties, non-governmental organisations, and the media from local and foreign entities to prevent corruption.
“Whatever we do, we must be seen as fair and just, and the agencies concerned must act independently, without fear or favour,” he said. – The Vibes, December 14, 2020
