MY dad is a heart patient, having had four stents inserted over the past 15 years.

Before the movement control order (MCO) was enforced, two of his sisters, who are octogenarians, came over to spend several days with him and were subsequently not allowed to return to their homes because of the ban on interstate travel.

On April 16, he took one of them out with him to the market and to buy groceries as he cannot walk too much or carry a heavy load by himself. Moreover, he was the only one among them who could drive.

They were, however, stopped by policemen and lectured on the importance of complying with the law – only the head of the house can go out to buy food and other essentials.

The lecture was firm and in a high tone, warning them that they would be arrested if they did not turn back and return alone. The two elderly folks returned home without buying anything, neither did they come out alone later.

Good for the police. Generally, during this period, they are firm and quick in many instances in nabbing those who flout the MCO.

Many have been jailed by the courts as the criminal justice system has also made it clear that they are taking this war against the pandemic seriously.

Some have been locked up like common criminals for simply buying food, attending prayers and funerals, playing golf, attending parties; all of which are usual, everyday activities allowed in a normal, vibrant and democratic society.

So, it is rather bewildering that some of our political leaders, ministers included, are flouting the MCO regulations with utter contempt. Some have even posted pictures of their visits to meet the people on Facebook.

There have been too many instances of our politicians not being able to lead by example. Some of them are falling short of the aptitude and competence expected of them in a time of national crisis, such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

We are constantly reminded of our healthcare personnel who have appealed to us to stay home as they take risks daily for our sake. So, how do we explain and justify our deputy health minister flouting this law?

Should the law not hold him to higher account? Should he not resign for letting down his own health workers and his ministry?

The police have, by and large, done a fairly good job of implementing the MCO, and the people, on the whole, have complied.

Will they now act against this deputy minister and others in authority who have blatantly violated the MCO?

The senior minister, in his daily press conference telecast live, gives updates on how many have flouted the MCO. He keeps warning Malaysians not to break the MCO or face the music.

Will he now tell the police to rein in these errant politicians? He must be seen to be fair.

The Covid-19 figures are improving and it would seem that we are winning most of the battles at the frontline, although sporadic new fronts keep popping up. That is the new worry.

The war against this unseen enemy is real and the situation can turn for the worse in a blink of an eye. That is why we need to be vigilant and alert.

We need everyone to do their part and get on board the same platform of understanding on what needs to be done to come out on top. We are in this war together and in it for the long haul, make no mistake about it.

We need our politicians to get their act together, focus on what needs to be done and to comply with the law, just like everyone else.

No exceptions whatsoever. – April 18, 2020.

* G. Selva 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.