The people can make sacrifices, why not VIPs?

 

It looks like the latest minister to breach the SOPs is economic affairs minister and MP for Jeli Mustapa Mohamed. He was photographed at the Alfath Cafe in Kampung Kulai dining with other people.

The photos went viral and caused a public outrage, but Mustapa tried to extricate himself from the sticky situation by claiming that he visited the cafe to “observe how the young restaurateur managed to sustain his business despite the lockdown”.

He said: “The young fellow, who is 26 years old, used social media to market his menu based on Western cuisine.”

Does anyone believe him?

Flouting the rules is a serious matter. Politicians in other countries have given up their posts or have been sacked for breaching them. They are made accountable for their actions. They know that if they make the rules for the public, then they have to observe them, too. Accountability and responsibility matter but in Malaysia, hypocrisy rules.

Ordinary Malaysians have made great sacrifices during the lockdown. People have lost their homes, their cars, jobs, relationships, savings and some have even lost their lives.

We know that many Malaysians have been unable to attend the funerals of close family members, or comfort their sick and dying relatives, either at home or in hospital. Many couples have been forced to live apart, as some are based away from home. Parents who work in different towns cannot meet their children.

People who live alone tend to suffer from mental health issues because of the forced isolation. Many young children suffer from depression. Cases of domestic violence are on the rise. Children and women are abused. People are desperate and the suicide rate has increased. The national suicide rate is said to be three cases a day.

Weddings and other special celebrations have had to be postponed or scaled down. Some men cannot be present at the birth of their first child.

Ministers who apologise only after a public backlash show their insincerity. Would they have apologised if they had not been caught with their pants down?

In yet another breach of SOPs, Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker and MP for Batu Pahat, Mohd Rashid Hasnon was photographed taking part in a durian feast on June 27. He denied that the event took place this year but later admitted that it happened recently.

Ordinary citizens who breached social distancing rules have been swiftly hauled up to face punishment and some have even been reported in the press. Why aren’t ministers targeted with the same speedy response? Why do we have to wait for a photograph of them eating before authorities act? Should we demand that the ordinary folk have their fines reimbursed?

We have every right to scrutinise the behaviour of our ministers. We pay their wages and perks. Their conduct in public should be exemplary.

If they break the rules, their punishments should be more severe than those set for the rakyat. If they break a law, they should resign and if they refuse to go, they should be sacked.

The people are sick and tired of sticking to the rules while ministers and VIPs openly show their contempt for them.

We are strict with family members and force our children to obey the SOPs because we want the nation to come out of the lockdown faster. We want to return to jobs, help businesses to function and get the economy going. We want our children to return to full-time education and prepare for their future. We want a semblance of normalcy.

We all do our bit for Malaysia, but do these VIPs care? No! Some have no desire to obey the rules which they have themselves set for us.

The next time when tough restrictions are enforced, they should not be surprised if Malaysians openly ignore the rules. Some people are saying, “if politicians can do it, why can’t we?” - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.