IT was truly heart-warming to see pictures of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin visit the MAEPS Integrated Hospital recently.

I know many refer to Muhyiddin as a backdoor prime minister, but to my family – and I am sure many others – he is seen as someone trying his best to help the people during these trying times.

I lost everything when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and honestly, my small family of four would not have food to eat if not for assistance rolled out by the government.

Initiatives such as Penjana, i-Sinar and recently Permai have played a crucial role in helping my family have food on our table.

I do not understand why some are continuously hurling criticisms and insults at him, probably these are the privileged ones who did not endure any hardships during these times.

For most Malaysians, I strongly believe we would have gone underwater if not for all the assistance from the government.

I admit there are rotten apples, as there would be anywhere else also, but we must give credit and admire the efforts by Muhyiddin himself.

Earlier, when he wanted to declare a state of emergency, many opposed it and the request was turned down.

However, today, many realise that the emergency is truly necessary with Covid-19 numbers ranging from 3,000-4,000 almost daily.

Drastic measures are indeed needed to curb this, otherwise, only God knows what will happen to the nation.

We must learn from what happened the last time an election was held and it is high time politicians shut their mouths and work to end this pandemic.

From those days, all I can recall is the opposition relentlessly making plenty of noise, but never walking the talk.

Which person in his sane mind would want to go to court and contest the emergency at a time when people are dying?

Seriously, what is Anwar Ibrahim thinking? He and Dr Mahathir Mohamad truly deserve each other. Both are power-crazed and think of nothing but themselves.

For people like me and I am sure millions more, staying alive and feeding our families are all that matter – the last thing on our minds is politics.

It is time these people get their priorities right – help the people – we need it most at this time.

Nobody cares about political statements and elections at this time – all we want is help and this is what Muhyiddin is doing for us.

I am sure the only thing people want to know these days is when the vaccines arrive and if the Covid-19 figures are dropping.

Help us, help our front-liners, that’s it. Our front-liners are more valuable than any politician at this time.

They are sacrificing their lives for the sake of others and deserve all the praises possible.

Enough of reading about rubbish from Dr Mahathir and other opposition politicians. Why not use some of the millions you have made to help the people, rather than making worthless statements? – January 20, 2021.

* Mohd Ariffin Mohd Ismail 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.