Good morning, the next week will determine how tough MCO 2.0 restrictions get. Here's what you need to know.

Key Highlights

  • Economy vs health tussle

  • Testing superpowers

  • Political quagmire in Kedah



Economy vs health tussle

Behind the scenes tussle for the National Security Council's (NSC) ear is starting again. A review of MCO 2.0 is up as it expires on Feb 4.

A day after it was leaked the Health Ministry proposed a complete shutdown of the economy as new Covid-19 cases remain high, International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali publicly called for alternatives. 

The last time the NSC favoured the economic argument, it lifted the interstate travel ban despite rising Covid-19 cases. The pandemic spiralled.

On the flip side, the previous full shutdown in March last year cost the economy more dearly than the 1998 crisis. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin also warned of "economic and societal collapse".

There is slightly more than a week left to decide. Lobbying will likely continue to spill into the public sphere.



HIGHLIGHTS

"Irreparable' damage if economy shuts down
FMM is worried.
ICU doctor shares most difficult moments
This includes watching Covid-19 patients die.
blind people out of jobs during MCO
An NGO is raising funds for them.

 



Testing superpowers

The emergency government has superpowers. It's only just starting to test the waters.

The government suggested invoking its powers to temporarily take possession of properties for detention centres and introduce prison term for certain offences.

The bipartisan All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia for the Reform of All Places of Detention, led by Umno's Azalina Othman Said, is pushing back.

The group spoke out against adding more people to already crowded prisons. They're also against more detention centres, a hotbed of Covid-19.

 The Health Ministry is also exercising emergency powers over private hospitals but said it's using the "carrot" approach.

This is as private hospitals start taking in Covid-19 patients. Insurance companies are not yet on board but the government isn't using the "stick", for now.



HIGHLIGHTS

Dr M criticises those silent on emergency
Ex-premier says they are in fear.
Health DG saddened by endless Covid-19 fight
He says a year passed but there is still no end.
S'wak activist highlights brother coughing blood
Hospitals are too busy with Covid-19.

 

 



Political quagmire in Kedah

The controversy over the Kedah government's cancellation of Thaipusam as a holiday devolved into a political drama.

There's now a MIC-PAS war of words and a sedition report but Hindus are no nearer to getting the day (Jan 28) off for Thaipusam.

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said PAS didn't need MIC, although they are supposed to be political allies. MIC shot back for Sanusi to contest in a mixed seat.

Kedah PAS Youth also lodged a sedition report against cartoonist Zunar for a cartoon of Sanusi and the Thaipusam controversy.

Meanwhile, the Umno-led Malacca government announced all Hindu civil servants in the state can take unrecorded leave to celebrate Thaipusam.



HIGHLIGHTS

Kedah MB: PAS don't need MIC
He says MIC members don't vote for MIC.
Push back against efforts to oust Zahid as president
Some Umno grassroots wants Zahid to step aside.
DAP: Why play up Chinese sentiment?
MCA claimed DAP failed to defend the Chinese.

 


A daily glance at Covid-19

  • 3,048 new cases yesterday (Jan 25). Still above 3,000 but lowest in 12 days.

  • Recoveries outpaced new cases for the third consecutive day.

  • January's death made up 218 out of 678 fatalities since the pandemic started, almost one third. There are still six days left this month.

  • Malaysiakini also compiles daily locations affected by Covid-19 so you can take precaution.


What else is happening?

  • Express bus operators complained they were left out of the MCO 2.0 aid package.

  • Taiping prison and its staff quarters was put under enhanced MCO.

  • Putrajaya was urged to include migrant workers in Covid-19 vaccination programme.


HIGHLIGHTS

Anwar: Get tough on industries with Covid-19 clusters
SOP violations in dormitories causing new clusters.
Man with Covid-19 attempts suicide
Police found a note.
Ismail: Prolonged MCO could bankrupt country
He says balance is needed.

 


What are people saying?

What is Malaysia if we fail to celebrate inclusivity?
By Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman
Police compassion is exactly what a poor rakyat needs
By Malaysiakini readers
Malaysia’s dark winter
By Bridget Welsh

 


CARTOON KINI