Kit Siang: We're at war, tell us the worst-case scenarios

The nation is at war with the Covid-19 virus and it is imperative for the government to engage in effective communication with all Malaysians, said Lim Kit Siang.

According to the DAP veteran, this includes sharing the worst-case scenarios about the crisis.

“When Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the movement control order on Monday night, he failed to explain the seriousness of the epidemic and importance to break the chain of infection.

“Even his second live telecast two days later was not a full success either,” he added in a statement this evening.

Lim said it is important that the prime minister and his ministers earn the trust and confidence of all Malaysians that they are capable and competent to wage and win this war.

“And this is why good suggestions should be deliberated and acted upon without delay by the government,” he added.

Among others, Lim suggested that the government consider the proposal by Pakatan Harapan's Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Hannah Yeoh to provide additional allocation for frontliners who are risking their lives in the battle against Covid-19.

Earlier today, Health director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah revealed that 15 healthcare workers have been infected, with one of them in the intensive care unit (ICU).

In view of this, he urged the public to remain at home to curb the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri said the army would be deployed starting Sunday to ensure the public comply with the control order.

As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded a total of 900 Covid-19 cases, the majority of which was linked to the mosque gathering in Kuala Lumpur which took place from Feb 27 to March 1.

In his statement, Lim also noted how global news about the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be bleak and ominous.

“Italy passed a grim milestone yesterday when its deaths linked to the virus soared to 3,405, exceeding the toll of 3,248 deaths in China, where the virus first broke out.

“The spread of the virus in Italy had been swift and terrifying, even after the country imposed strict limits on people’s movements,” he added.

In the United States, Lim said, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom ordered California’s almost 40 million residents to stay home except for essential trips, after 1,040 cases of the coronavirus had been identified and 19 people had died.

“Even London is considering a lockdown over the Covid-19 pandemic, as United Kingdom joins 10 countries with the most number of Covid-19 deaths with a global death toll of 10,028,” he added. - Mkini