APRIL 13 — I applaud Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for adopting the #kitajagakita framing we advocated in his speech on 10th April. He also adopted the word "new normal”, a welcoming sign from the Prime Minister that he comprehends our world would not remain the same again, even after the end of lockdown. 

But here’s the harder part: how is the Prime Minister going to ensure that his entire government understands the magnitude of the crisis we face and bring forth the collaborative energy of all Malaysians to enter the next phase?  

In a globally viralled article published in medium.com on 20th March, "The Hammer and The Dance”, Tomas Pueyo explained why "the hammer” – a harsh and stringent suppression strategy (such as Movement Control Order in Malaysia) – has to be adopted for 3 to 7 weeks to flatten the curve. 

But the hard approach, which comes with huge economic costs to the societies, can only last for a short period of time. The MCO cannot go on forever. 

After the hammer, strict compliance from the public under surveillance by security forces should not be the main tune. It is about getting everyone to "dance” in sync voluntarily. Now we need a whole-of-society approach, apart from the whole-of-government approach that I have been stressing.  

We need to start doing it now. The more we know it is a shared societal effort the better it is for Malaysia as we embark on the prolonged dance period after the hammer – at least until a vaccine is found which can be up to 18 months, which in itself is an optimistic timeline. 

First, solidarity with the vulnerable/#kitajagakita

We are only as strong as the weakest links among us. Covid-19 is an equalizer. Whether you are rich or poor, Prime Minister or ordinary folks, no one has full immunity. We will need everyone to understand that we must ensure the weakest among us get fed, shelters with social distance, and basic health care to prevent them from being infected and spreading the virus.    

We need to do more for