KUCHING: Putrajaya should set up a ‘war Cabinet’ to fight against Covid-19.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing suggested that the ‘war Cabinet’ should have sufficient manpower and resources including getting people together to fight the deadly virus.
“We, here, have a ‘war Cabinet,’ which is the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) headed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“This committee focuses only on fighting the Covid-19 virus and any interference from outside is not entertained, but positive inputs are,” said Masing.
He pointed out that, at the beginning, SDMC might have some hiccups but have made good progress in handling the pandemic.
“Given enough ‘guns’ (vaccines) to fight, Sarawak will contain the ‘enemy’ (virus), which will then allow Sarawakians to live the pre-Covid-19 life.
“However, this will be a long and deadly battle, and it is, therefore, advisable for Putrajaya to take some notes from SDMC on how to fight Covid-19,” Masing added.
He concurred with Tun Dr Mahathir that the federal government should establish an independent committee to manage the Covid-19 crisis.
The former prime minister said an independent committee must be given full authority to take actions to take care of the country’s pandemic situation.
Dr Mahathir had also suggested that the government provide sufficient funds so the committee could operate and achieve its objectives successfully.
“I agree with Dr Mahathir on this matter as Covid-19 is a deadly virus which can topple the nation.
“We are fighting a war against an unseen virus. This war has killed around 1,000 people, if not more, and had caused untold suffering to thousands more,” said Masing in a statement today (July 15).
He hoped that over time the nation would thrive in handling the pandemic, and leaders would come to their senses to keep the nation on even keel.
“I hope that the leaders will come to their senses soon and bring the nation’s ship to even keel and continue sailing,” Masing said.
