Muhyiddin a steady hand in a time of crisis

Updated 6 years ago · Published on 29 Apr 2020 7:00PM · 5 Comments

ALTHOUGH I am studying thousands of kilometres from my home in Parit Buntar, I still keep track of developments back home, particularly on the Covid-19 outbreak.

I am a third-year undergraduate pursuing a psychology course in Brisbane, Australia. I still have many family and friends throughout Malaysia. Besides reading up on Malaysian news about the Covid-19 outbreak online, I keep track of announcements made by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

I have never missed a single national address on television, which I view live on the internet, despite the time difference. I must say that I am impressed with his handling of our national health crisis so far.

He comes across as sincere, speaking from the heart, and he knows which buttons to press. His tone is reassuring, even fatherly, and his messages are easily relatable.

For example, his use of the Makcik Kiah fictional character breaks down complex government policies into bite-sized ideas that are easy to comprehend, even for much simpler, rural folks. In fact, Makcik Kiah was a popular topic among the Malaysian student community in Brisbane for a while!

But beyond Muhyiddin’s simple yet impactful delivery, the content of his message also shows he’s got his ears on the ground. The Prihatin aid and stimulus package are precisely what the country needs in this time of unprecedented economic crisis.

My family runs an SME and the economic impact from the movement control order has been woeful. Muhyiddin has swiftly provided safety nets for the SMEs, although some say the government could do more.

All in all, I’d commend Muhyiddin for being a steadying hand at a time of crisis. The cancer survivor’s fighting spirit and presence of mind have been quite admirable. So for now, let’s put aside our politics and support this man who’s trying to put our interests first.

Compared with how US President Donald Trump advises his citizens to ingest bleach or Boris Johnson’s lax attitude in the UK towards the pandemic until it was too late – I think we are in safer hands. – April 29, 2020.

* Douglas Liew reads The Malaysian Insight.

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Comments

  • Dont compare with the worst. In that case, anything anyone is going to look like a shining star.

    Posted 6 years ago by Yew Kit Yam · Reply

  • He's a man of fluff but little substance, and a man who is terrified of facing Parliament.

    Posted 6 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • don't know what you're smoking but...can i have some?

    Posted 6 years ago by KNN ... · Reply

  • He iss good and the only stain he has is the betrayal of PH.

    Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

    • He is good and the only stain he has is the betrayal on PH.

      Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply