The CSO Platform for Reform has recently delivered a blistering report outlining the Perikatan National (PN) government’s dismal performance during its 17 months in power.
A coalition of 80 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in Malaysia, it has observed PN’s performance over a wide range of topics such as health, electoral reform, corruption, and government-linked companies (GLCs)
The report, which dates between March 2020 till August 2021, highlighted the glaring issues PN failed to address in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left thousands severely sick and even more dead.
In the report, it listed four areas where PN’s poor decision making had a devastating effect on the nation’s fight against COVID-19:
Inept political leadership
Dr Adham Baba, the then Health Minister, was lambasted for his “deficiencies in ability to comprehend many complex issues, make good judgement, as well as take timely and appropriate actions”.
He also became the face of widespread mockery over his ‘air suam’ (warm water) and ‘Spanish fly’ gaffes, which won him international coverage and notoriety.
Interests over evidence
The PN government was condemned over its decision to hold elections in Sabah, resulting in a third wave of infections and an explosion of cases following its slow response in closing off Sabah’s state borders.
Furthermore, the National Security Council (NSC) giving its blessing to open all state borders in early December further exacerbated the situation, allowing the virus to run amok nationwide and causing an all-time high surge in February 2021.
Lack of investment in public health
Though Malaysia is widely recognised for its exemplary medical services and facilities, the pandemic has exposed the lack of investment in the healthcare system, as seen through the 12% funding slash under Budget 2021.
Another contentious issue plaguing the system for more than 10 years is the housemanship and contract doctors standoff, where many have complained of having to endure ‘slavery-like’ work schedules without a guarantee of a permanent placement.
While former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had offered a temporary stop gap measure with a two-year contract for those who had completed mandatory service (or four years if accepted for specialist studies), and promised to improve contract benefits, little has been done to settle this issue once and for all.
Looking for scapegoats?
In the face of crushing infection rates, Malaysia went on to have the fastest vaccine rollout rates after launching the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme in June.
However, this campaign was hampered by the government’s determination in arresting undocumented migrants, claiming that such measures would protect citizens from getting infected.
On the contrary, this has instead complicated things for the pandemic’s control management as many were forced in hiding for fear that they would be deported.
Will history repeat itself?
Following Prime Minister Ismail Sabri’s annoucement of his new Cabinet line-up, we sincerely hope that Malaysia will finally see the light of day and be completely free from the clutches of the pandemic.
Cover via: BeritaHarian, TheStar, Facebook/Muhyiddin Yassin
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
