Ku Li calls for a united M’sia against pandemic

The nation needs to be united and coordinated in facing the Covid-19 pandemic which has become a dangerous and invisible threat to the world, says Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

The Gua Musang lawmaker said Malaysia was still “sailing in uncharted waters”, adding that there was much to learn from the measures taken by other countries.

Tengku Razaleigh, also known as Ku Li, said Malaysia should not take anything for granted and be open and innovative in exploring any viable idea.

“We need a holistic integrated approach, including protecting nature and environment, to deal with this deadly and devastating pandemic.

“This pandemic is too important for our country’s survival to be politicised by any quarters.

“I would like to call upon all parties, all sectors and the public to support the government of the day in managing this crisis equitably for all.

“Our country needs to be united and coordinated in facing this dangerous and invisible threat to our very existence,” said Tengku Razaleigh in a statement yesterday.

He added that Malaysia needs to be honest, realistic and do its best.

The nation, he said, should not be too concerned about having zero cases of Covid-19 infections.

“Of course, it is most welcomed if we achieve zero cases but it may not be sustainable until a vaccine is found,” he said.

Tengku Razaleigh said the government’s main responsibility was to continue ensuring that the agreed standard operating procedure was being implemented appropriately, to provide adequate healthcare and treatment and prepare the country for future waves of infections.

“Until a workable vaccine is found, we have to find the right balance on the social measures needed to control future infections and how to carefully open up our damaged economy to stop the internal haemorrhage.

“The government stated that tourism, the worst hit sector, has suffered a loss of RM45bil in the first half of this year.

“The government also warned of RM1 trillion in losses caused by a collapse of the banking and financial system if the economy is not open up soon enough.

“This is the greatest challenge today for our country and other countries to address,” he said, adding that the only way to end this “silent genocide” was to find a vaccine.

Tengku Razaleigh said as such, the government, banking and financial sectors should do more to support, assist and facilitate any genuine private sector’s initiative in finding and securing a workable vaccine.

He also commended the government and relevant agencies for having done a good job in using social measures to keep infections low and under control.

On Wednesday, Malaysia recorded the lowest number in Covid-19 cases since the movement control order was implemented on March 18.