PSM: Covid-19's allies in Malaysia - politicians lusting for power

 

First, there was the infamous Sheraton Move, which led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government after 22-months in power.

Then came the Sabah Move as former chief minister Musa Aman enlisted defectors in his bid to oust the Warisan-led state government. This resulted in snap polls, which has now contributed to an alarming spike in Covid-19 cases nationwide.

Malaysia could also witness another political crisis during the pandemic with opposition leader and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim claiming to possess sufficient numbers to form the federal government.

Expressing frustration over these developments, PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan (above) criticised politicians for pursuing their interests at the expense of the people.

“Look at what happened after the Sabah election. There is a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases.

“The people are furious with these politicians and their shenanigans. Politicians are not only putting lives at risk but also livelihoods.

“Covid-19 has dealt a severe blow to the economy and politicians are making it worse with their never-ending 'Game of Thrones',” he told Malaysiakini.

On a daily basis, Arutchelvan said the PSM office receives a deluge of calls from workers who have lost their jobs and seeking financial assistance.

Furthermore, he added the people are penalised for flouting the standard operating procedure but those in power appear to disregard the rules.

Arutchelvan pointed out that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's government is constantly under threat from internal and external forces.

“How is his administration going to focus on the virus and economy under such circumstances?

“This is self-inflicted for not respecting the people's mandate in the last general election and now the people must suffer the consequences due to the actions of these politicians,” he added.

Arutchelvan is most concerned about the Perikatan Nasional coalition forcing a general election in its attempt to prevent Anwar from capturing Putrajaya.

“If this happens, then we are doomed,” he said, adding that the virus would be the ultimate victor.

On the same note, Arutchelvan described Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki's appeal to Anwar to postpone his takeover plans as hypocritical.

“Although I agree that the nation can ill-afford another political crisis, Asyraf should have made the same appeal to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the Sheraton Move and Sabah Move.

“So when it is in your political interest, 'public safety' can be neglected. But now, 'public safety' takes prominence when someone is threatening to show you the exit from Putrajaya,” he added.

Prior to the Sabah election, Anwar held a press conference to declare that Muhyiddin's reign has ended and that he has the support to be the next prime minister.

The opposition leader said he has submitted the list of MPs backing him to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and would reveal more after his audience with the King.

Following this, Zahid disclosed that numerous MPs from Umno and BN were supporting Anwar. - Mkini