WITH Covid-19 cases in the country continuing to rise over the past few days, Malaysians have taken to social media to blame politicians for the spike.

Malaysia continued to report an increase in Covid cases for the past few days, with a large number of infections coming from Sabah, which held its state elections last week. 

Using the hashtags #KlusterMenteri (Ministers’ Cluster) and #PoliticiansPuncaVirus (Politicians Cause of Virus), netizens are expressing their frustrations by slamming politicians on social media platforms. 

“Tired of adhering to SOP daily, with the difficulty of using a mask with glasses, having to scan MySejahtera app every time I enter a mall, use sanitiser and maintain physical distancing… in the end, case increase to 287. Whose fault? Ours? #KlusterMenteri,” said @jiegha0reo.

Posting two photos of children getting Covid-19 tests, @_hanieesyazwani said: “Look at these children. They are suffering. F*** the politicians and everyone involved with PRN Sabah and didn’t quarantine theirselves. #KlusterMenteri.”

Another user, @_NeaWay, tweeted, “Remember when frontliners would sleep in tents at home just to make sure they wouldn’t risk possible exposure of Covid-19 to their family? (Self-isolate). Now think of all the selfish politicians who disregard all risk for the sake of power. #KlusterMenteri”.

In the past two days, Malaysia reported more than 500 new positive Covid-29 cases, with a record-breaking 287 infections yesterday alone. 

Health Ministry data showed a rising trend in new cases cropping up in Sabah over the past few weeks.

Several politicians who returned from the state after the polls on September 26 have tested positive, while others are under self-quarantine.

Today, Deputy Environment and Water Minister Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad tested positive for the virus and is being treated at Sg Buloh Hospital.

On September 23, deputy Umno Youth chief Shahril Hamdan tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from campaigning in the Sabah elections.

Another Umno leader, Mohd Razlan Rafii, also tested positive in Sabah.

Retweeting to @elhumawy’s post, user @Farhanismail721 said: “It’s because of you politicians, how selfish you are. I’m very disappointed. #PoliticianPuncaVirus.”

Another user, @adaazam, also criticised politicians, saying: “287 cases today. F*** all the politicians. ALL. It’s the highest since this pandemic hit Malaysia. #PoliticiansPuncaVirus.”

User @NaFar_19 said: “Sabahans are not to blame. Educational institutional are not to blame. DG Husham are not to blame. Politicians? Yes. They are to blame for this rising covid cases. #PoliticiansPuncaVirus.”

Earlier today, Klang MP Charles Santiago had said Perikatan Nasional politicians must be held accountable for the spread of the Covid-19 virus in Sabah, as well as Peninsular Malaysia. 

He said politicians failed to adhere to strict SOPs “because they were hell bent on winning the Sabah elections”.

He added that all politicians, cabinet members or senior civil servants who failed to do their jobs, practised double standards and dismissed health protocols ought to be punished. – October 3, 2020.