When all this is over ...

I am not thinking of how the economies around the world will recover once the Covid-19 pandemic is over. I believe it is a natural course for businesses to be back to normal given the survival instinct and profit motivation.

My concern is how nations around the world must rethink public goods and public services. For too long the so-called “private sector efficiency” and “market economy” have taken centre stage. We privatise everything, including even essential services, and allow profit motivation to drive the economy.

But let’s look at how Malaysia fights the Covid-19 today. The burden has squarely fallen on government hospitals and doctors and nurses in the public service who probably earn only a fraction of those working in private hospitals.

I have an observation - as nations become richer and more developed, the quality of public services has actually become worse, not better.

Many countries no longer consider public service functions as of national importance. Joining the public services too is considered as the poorest option among the career choices.

Today, because of Covid-19, we are talking about the importance of doctors, nurses, farmers and other food providers. But have we ever wondered how much these people are earning when compared to footballers, tennis stars and entertainers? Surely, the market economy and private sector efficiency can’t resolve issues like this.

I foresee in the future more important public service functions that require our attention.

Food handling SOP and public hygiene is one critical area. Have we not had too many food poisoning incidents in the country already? Have we not seen too many rats, strays and cockroaches running around? Who is supposed to do this and how much will they be paid?

Who are truly responsible for the continued potable water supply to the nation? Have we not suffered too many contaminations and supply disruptions already? When the taps run dry for a prolonged period, what would happen? Stay at home?

Who are truly responsible for our environment although I know we have a minister of environment? Must haze kill someone first before we take some cogent actions? What about toxic wastes out of Kuantan? I know we are always talking about cost and business interests. How much does Covid-19 cost us now?

Who is responsible for cybersecurity in this country? What would happen if our communications and information are totally obliterated? Well, maybe some would say this will not happen. Now, who has envisaged Covid-19 to happen the way it did?  - Mkini