THE new cabinet should be led by professionals instead of career politicians to steer the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) said today.

It said the new government must be transparent, science-based and not work in silos in fighting the pandemic.

“To accomplish all that, we urge that the new cabinet be led by competent professionals, instead of career politicians. 

“Politicians must be part of the solution, not part of the problem. We demand that all political leaders and the new government of Malaysia to prioritise the rakyat and our health,” it said in a statement today signed by 20 organisations and 12 individuals.

Transparency, being science-based and ensuring better coordination are three important lessons the new cabinet must learn “from the political transition in March 2020”, MHC added, referring to the change of government last year by parliamentary numbers instead of a general election.

On transparency, MHC said the new prime minister and cabinet must acknowledge the ground situation and not hide the truth from the people.

“Sharing all pandemic data with high transparency will improve trust, and enable the people to make more accurate risk assessments for themselves and their families. Data transparency aids in better allocation of resources.” 

On making evidence-based health decisions, MHC said the new government must follow scientific evidence, given that understanding of Covid-19 will evolve and improve.

“We also urge the government to publicise their evidence, methodology and rationale for making any important decisions, not merely announcing the decisions in a top-down manner.

“Standard operating procedure must be evidence-based, easy-to-understand and enforced without double standards.”

Thirdly, the new government must ensure coordination among state governments, ministries and civil societies, as the Health Ministry alone cannot beat Covid-19.

MHC proposed a working federal-state council to ensure effective execution and no overlaps.

“In the medium-term, the new government must balance health with the recovery of our economy, democracy and society. In health terms, the new government must provide adequate financial, political and moral support to all healthcare front-liners.” 

The country is waiting for a new prime minister following the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin and his cabinet yesterday.

Political party chiefs are in the midst of determining an MP who can command majority support to be the next prime minister, and had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this afternoon on the matter.

The palace has also asked all MPs to submit a statutory declaration each station one candidate that they support, by tomorrow afternoon. – August 17, 2021.