Activist calls for scrutiny into Sunday’s military deployment

CORONAVIRUS | Activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri has cautioned against the use of the military to help enforce the movement control order.

In a statement on Facebook today, Fadiah (above) urged the public to continue scrutinising the Perikatan Nasional government's handling of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“It is disturbing to see so many people who claim to be progressive legitimise purveyors of state violence particularly after the government warned the masses not to question police or military powers. ‬

“The warning was issued yesterday by the government that seized power from the people barely a month ago. It is therefore imperative that we remain critical and vigilant. Do not give them a free pass.

“Emergencies have always been used to expand authoritarian powers. Pay attention to history. We cannot afford to suspend critical thinking in these dangerous times,” she wrote.

Fadiah’s sentiments echo that of veterans group Patriot, who had opined that the move to deploy the military was “hasty and premature”.

Sending troops should be the last resort and the 130,000-strong police force ought to suffice for now, they said.

PAS: Don’t question publicly

Meanwhile, PAS, which is part of the new ruling coalition, criticised Patriot for “publicly questioning” Defence Minister Ismail Sabri’s announcement to mobilise the army.

For the sake of national security, party treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad (above) advised the NGO to air its views directly to the minister instead.

“This is the time for all quarters to work together to ensure the situation returns to normal and the people’s worries can be reduced.

“With comments like that, Patriot - which comprises those who once served in the army - can cause the rakyat to lose confidence in the government’s ability to handle problems.

“If they lose trust in the government’s abilities, they will panic and the situation will become uncontrollable. Every order by the government will be disputed and the people will not follow it, this can be very dangerous,” he said in a statement.

Come tomorrow (Sunday), the military will assist the police in ensuring the people strictly adhere by orders to remain at home.

This is to reduce the risk of Covid-19 contagion.

With 1,030 cases, Malaysia now ranks fourth in Asia for the number of infections. Three people have died while 87 have been discharged. - Mkini