MALAYSIANS must be civic-minded and think about other people, not just themselves, while the country deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Fortunately, the former prime minister said, Malaysians and East Asian countries are well-disciplined.

“If the government tells us to do something, we do it because it’s for our own good,” he said in an interview with the Malaysia Junior Club on Facebook today.

“Yes, we have to think about the economy but, we also have to be very careful about not getting infected.

“So, follow the enhanced movement control order. We can still contribute and grow the economy but without spreading the disease.”

Dr Mahathir also said while allowing people to work was alright as it would help the economy, other outings should be limited.

“It’s alright to go to work, but if you can, try not to go out. Avoid people. You can do shopping but it must be limited.

“If you join a crowd and if there are chances that you have the virus, you will spread it to others, or you might get infected by other people.

“It is a dangerous virus that can cause death. Especially for old people who are above 60 years old. That’s why I have to be extra careful.”

Dr Mahathir, meanwhile, admonished citizens of Western countries who chose not to listen to their governments as they prioritised their own freedom above the health and safety of others.

“They even have demonstrations against lockdowns and they are moving about, like in Brazil and the United States, and more people are infected now.

“In the US, more than 350,000 people are infected and more than a million are affected.

“In Brazil, of course, the president doesn’t want people to stop work because it will affect the economy.”

Malaysia recorded 10 new infections today, the lowest since the movement control order (MCO) was enforced on March 18.

No deaths were reported over the past 24 hours, with the number of fatalities remaining at 115 and the total number of infections standing at 7,629. – May 28, 2020.