FOLLOWING the Government’s call for the public to impose “self-lockdown” to contain the spread of COVID-19, Umno lashed out at the idea saying it was ludicrous.
“How to ‘self-lockdown’ when Makcik Kiah has to open her stall to ensure there is income for her family?
“How is Pak Salleh to practice ‘self-lockdown’ when he has to drive his taxi to avoid his vehicle and home from being repossessed by the bank?
“And how is our working population to ‘self-lockdown’ when 60% of our private sector employees and 20% from the civil service are required to be at the office?” asked its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid, in a post on Facebook.
Two days ago, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the Government would not lockdown the whole nation as it would affect lives and livelihoods.
He added that the Government would only enhance standard operating procedure (SOP) and increase enforcement to ensure the pandemic rise is stemmed.
“For now, we will enforce and enhance SOP from social gathering to economic sectors, including adding more roadblocks to restrict movements,” he said, in a joint press conference with MOH director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Prove aid to the masses
Noor Hisham, on that note, urged the public to practice “self-lockdown” and minimise non-essential movements and called for the public to be disciplined about it.
However, the public was unimpressed with the duo’s statement and lashed out, calling them inept and out of touch with reality.
Touching on the matter, Zahid said Malaysians in general would want to practice “self-lockdown” due to the rising number of COVID-19 infections, which is over 6,000 cases daily.
“The people are risking their lives to ensure their livelihoods are not affected for the sake of their families. They are not being selfish as the rakyat have proven their resolve during MCO 1.0.
“But at the time, the Government channelled various types of support and aid to them until the situation improved, which was the right thing to do,” the former deputy prime minister added.
Even during MCO 3.0, Zahid noted, Malaysians did not celebrate Hari Raya for two consecutive years, to support the Government’s move to contain the pandemic.
“So, why are u blaming the people now? Is their fault that COVID-19 is now going out of control?
“If you want the people to practice ‘self-lockdown’, then help them to do it,” the Bagan Datuk MP remarked. – May 24, 2021
