Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

IN the government’s effort to relax and eventually exit from the movement control order (MCO) in the future, it is crucial that Malaysians seriously take up the responsibility of adhering closely to the standard operating procedures (SOP) in order to stay safe.

This is especially so because the Covid-19 virus is pervasive in its spread and in the absence of a vaccine, concerted containment of the virulent virus is the best available option.

Moreover, there is a danger in normalising Covid-19 if Malaysians in general start to take things for granted and become lackadaisical.

Hence, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s call upon communities to step up in the fight against the virus is in the right direction.

It is envisaged that the burden on the health frontliners and the strain on the government’s resources would be lessened considerably if the communities take up the gauntlet.

What do we mean by “communities” here? It may take the forms of residents’ association, kampung, religious or cultural community, ethnic community, professional community, new village, gated community, business community, the vulnerable etc.

But given the nature of the menacing virus, that is, it defies ethnic, cultural, religious, territorial and other man-made divisions, it doesn’t matter where you’re at. For, it attacks the human race.

There is bound to be a criss-crossing between the communities at some point in this fight against the pandemic, even if only out of sheer health and safety expediency.

In other words, we are in this fight together, no matter how potent the politics of race and religion being peddled by certain politicians can be in our society.

The dangers and the importance of the SOP must be effectively communicated to these communities so that there is a common sense of purpose and of togetherness.

Only after a convergence of concerns and interests between the government and the people is made more visible that the latter would be energised to work towards this common goal as vital stakeholders.

People who are inclined to breach the MCO may be discouraged to do so, especially if they eventually realise that the punishment meted out has good intentions for themselves and for all.

The sense of purpose is sharpened when violators of the MCO are given equal punishment irrespective of their social status. To be sure, there is to be no double standards in enforcing the rule of law.

Freedom of expression is also crucial in empowering communities that are fighting against the pandemic. They must have the space to offer constructive criticisms pertaining to certain government policies that they think are inadequate or unjust in meeting the challenges of the pandemic.

Civil society criticism of the way the government recently handled the issue of undocumented migrant workers in the country, which exposed them to risk of infection, is one example. The government must be willing to accept criticisms and suggestions.

While there is wisdom and virtue in calling on ordinary Malaysians to be collectively responsible in dealing with the pandemic, certain communities may not, however, be able to effectively partake in this communal mission.

In particular, the vulnerable are less equipped to fend on their own, owing to economic and other obstacles that they must face. With putting food on the table becoming a perennial question, how could they ever think of buying hand sanitisers and face masks as personal protection?

Social distancing becomes a luxury in a cramped flat or a makeshift house where a big family share two tiny bedrooms.

Lack of basic amenities, such as piped water and a good sanitation system, still haunt some parts in the country. In Kelantan, for example, there are people who get muddy water from their water pipe.

These segments of the society obviously require help from the authorities, civil society groups, as well as the corporate sector in the common goal to contain the virus.

Turning a blind eye to the vulnerable may eventually prove lethal, as the dangerous virus transgresses human divisions. – May 30, 2020.