Press Statement By Michael Kong:
For over a week, the number of positive Covid-19 cases in Malaysia has been over 10,000 per day! With an average of 11,992 cases over the past 7 days, Malaysia is breaking records on the world stage; something which we find no pride in.
Locally we see the number of cases in Kuching averaging at 171 cases per day for the past 1 week! With such high numbers, it is no surprise that many eateries are relatively empty despite dine-in being allowed during this Phase 2 of the NRP.
The current pandemic has hit Malaysia for over a year. Many businesses are suffering and as a result, the general public is suffering too with many losing jobs along the way.
With that, many are suffering from mental stress and depression due to the constant lockdown and economic uncertainty; to the point that they end up committing suicide. Just in the first 5 months of 2021, the police has recorded a total of 468 suicides compared to 631 in 2020 and 609 in 2019. Studies have shown that the three main causes are family problems, emotional pressure and finances.
Who can fault these people? The government they rely upon have failed them big time. The leaders they expect to pick up the baton cannot seem to get anything done right.
On the Federal level, the PN politicians are seemingly only interested in politicking and maintaining power. We have useless ministers (and deputies) sitting in key positions like the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Transport. These are important portfolios that can help in implementing a proper lockdown, getting people vaccinated at a greater pace and also at the same time avoid physical class attendance.
Locally on the State level, the GPS politicians seem to be clueless on what to do. With the cases still being so high, they seem to trivialise the current pandemic by gearing up themselves towards a state elections this year. This will be disastrous to our healthcare system which is already down on its knees.
It is deeply regretted that till today, we have yet to see any sheer willpower to curb Covid-19. I strongly urge the current GPS government to buck up and get tough in this fight against Covid-19. At the same time, GPS should speak to their partners within the PN government so that more can be done for the people of Malaysia. We need strong-willed leadership sincere in fighting Covid-19, not one who only looks at fighting his political opponents.
Michael Kong Feng Nian
Special Assistant to YB Chong Chieng Jen
