NOT too long ago, due to politics, there were groups who were hinting at the return of May 13. Not surprising, most of them were not even born yet when it happened and those who were around then were not at the epicentre.

I was around then and I was at the epicentre.

What has happened in the last few days should be a good reminder for those who were calling for it. May 13 was a racial clash and curfew was imposed.  

Today, we are being tested by the Almighty with a very small virus that is not really visible to the ordinary microscope. Genomic analysis of Covid 19 so far suggests that it is mutating slowly, reducing the chance of it changing to become more deadly. According to the World Health Organisation, illness due to Covid-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness – about one in every five people who catch it need hospital care.

Already there has been panic buying and even more chaos and confusion arose after the government announced a “restricted movement order”.

For the B40 and those who are self-employed without a fixed income, this will be a trying period. For those who have money, the benchmark stock index on Bursa Malaysia tumbled below the 1,300-point level for the first time in almost a decade. Crude oil price is below US$30 (RM132) per barrel and our currency has weakened. Our exports will also be hit.

So what should we do?

It does not help when the chief secretary to the government made the mistake of not inviting the heads of state governments under Pakatan Harapan to a top-level meeting to discuss the Covid-19 crisis. Yes, mistakes do happen but would action have been taken if the mistake was made by a junior officer?

This is not the time to play politics and leave everything to the government, which some have called  a “backdoor”government. Let us open the front door for those who oppose us to give suggestions. This is not a case of “hidung tak mancung pipi tersorong-sorong” (brazenly interfering in other people’s affairs). 

The appropriate authority should create an outlet for the rakyat to contribute constructive ideas like what DBKL did with the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040.

The time when the government knows all has passed. We are all in this together. 

Here is a big test. If the country fails, we all will fail together. Is this what we are aiming for? There was a forecast saying the economy will grow only 0.5% if the problem persists.

Very soon, B40 may turn into B60. Whoever runs the government then will have a big headache. And for those in power now, please remember your oath when taking office and hopefully you won’t suffer pangs of conscience when it is too late.

The city that never sleeps may nod off and it will be an arduous task bringing the economy out of its slumber. – March 19, 2020.

May God help us.

What say you…

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.