In an article today, he reminded everyone that the country is still in a health and economic crisis.
“Many countries, including Malaysia, which had successfully contained the virus before, are seeing a spike in cases due to the Delta and Lambda variants, which are more lethal and infectious than earlier versions.
“Yes, there may be reason for many of us to be angry and play the blame game. But the omnipresent threat of the virus ill affords us such luxury.”
He said it is this threat that underscores the urgency of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), which is based on six core principles, including the reopening of the economy, being guided by science and data, taking a whole-of-nation approach and ensuring the plan is dynamic and adaptable.
“At the heart of all this is a sincere and serious effort cutting across party and ideological lines to embrace a diverse set of opinions – from opposition parties, NGOs, the business community, as well as economic, health and social welfare experts – towards a common goal.
“Ultimately, however, it is all about the rakyat’s lives, which must be protected by ensuring our healthcare system, particularly its capacity to respond, can cope, and by ramping up our National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul said it was important for everyone to remain united and focused on the task at hand by looking at the bigger picture.
“It is like we are on a flight, and the plane suffers some technical problems that need to be fixed in mid-air to avoid a crash.
“Instead of focusing on ensuring everyone’s safe landing, the crew bicker about changing the pilot instead. Imagine us the rakyat as passengers on that flight … how do we feel?
“Lives are at stake in our country and the rakyat needs to know that we have got our act together to try and help this country exit safely from the pandemic.
“So, why waste a valuable opportunity to pool our viewpoints, knowledge, ideas and resources systematically via the NRP? I believe the NRP is our best hope yet – and currently our most viable multi-voice solution – in exiting from this pandemic.”