MIRI: Sarawak United People’s Party Central secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting expressed shock and surprise that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed a state of emergency in the country until Aug 1 – or an earlier date if the situation improves – to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
“SUPP was taken aback by the proclamation because we thought, and felt, that the measures taken by the federal government to tackle Covid-19 had adequately covered or provided for by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in his nationwide address today,” said Ting in a statement.
The state of emergency brought two most significant consequences, he said, namely there would be no parliamentary or state assembly sittings or meetings, and secondly, there would not be any election, federal, state or by-election during the period.
“However, there is some comfort with the assurances given by the Prime Minister that there would not be any curfew or military rule and that people’s lives will be normal.
“As for Sarawak, SUPP is very confident in our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, and our Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), led by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his team, in tackling the spread of Covid-19 in Sarawak.”
Ting hoped that Sarawakians would remain vigilant, united and work closely with the Sarawak government and SDMC to observe standard operating procedure guidelines and adapt to the new norm.
“Only through the cooperation from all sectors can we ensure that the pandemic is kept under control.
“SUPP hopes that once it is under control, the emergency will be lifted and things will go back to normal.”
With the imposition of RMCO in three zones – Kuching, Miri and Sibu – Ting were confident that inter-district movement would be limited.
In addition, those coming into Sarawak would undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine.
“Please adhere to strict compliance of SOP. Wear face masks, practise social distancing, sanitise and wash your hands.
“Let’s all play our part, take good care of ourselves and our loved ones and stay safe.”
