KUCHING: There is no such thing as a blanket policy to resolve the current issues resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, said Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu.
Responding to an online movement under the hashtag ‘KitaMintaLima’ imploring the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant five requests or change the government altogether during the Covid-19 pandemic, Rentap expressed worry that it might have bad repercussions.
“The King is the constitutional ruler of Malaysia. The proclamation of emergency due to Covid-19 is according to the Federal Constitution. I always believe we should listen to the people, but not one solution fits all,” he said.
Last Saturday, the movement gained traction on social media which listed targeted and effective movement control orders (MCO), full support for frontliners, and an automatic bank loan moratorium and cash aid for the people throughout the MCO.
Others included fair and equitable enforcement of the National Security Council’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as immediate distribution of devices with internet data to all students.
“Some of the issues can be tackled or resolved by the government. For example, internet connectivity in Sarawak should be extended everywhere.
According to him, every sector needs assistance. Extending loan moratorium does not mean debts are lessened.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also need assistance as this is one area where many of our youth are employed.
“As such, I support a better delivery system for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to lessen burden caused by the pandemic.
“My only caution is that the promoters of this online movement might have other agendas including political ones. It is time now to unite as Malaysians and win this pandemic war,” he said.
