Malaysia Lies Trapped Between Covid and Deadlock
Lack of a credible government means the prime minister shows weakness just when a record surge demands hard decisions.
A weak government can’t grapple with either Covid or the economy.
Photographer: Samsul Said/BloombergA crisis of political legitimacy is hanging over Malaysia's government just when it needs to make tough decisions to tackle a relentless surge in Covid-19 infections.
It's hard to see the ongoing state of emergency ending in August as promised. Parliament was suspended in January in the name of fighting the pandemic, allowing Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to stay in power without a floor vote to test claims from legislators that he no longer commanded a majority. Back than, daily coronavirus infections were in the low 2000s. On Sunday, they hit a record 6,976.
The steady erosion of his government’s credibility was reflected in new measures announced Saturday. They simply aren’t up to the magnitude of the crisis given the spiraling daily caseload. Companies will be allowed to operate from 8 a.m until 8 p.m.; until now, they were allowed to open until 10 p.m. Most government officials and 40% of private sector employees will be required to work from home. Police roadblocks and enforcement checks will be increased.
The recent steps look half-hearted. Despite skyrocketing infections, Muhyiddin was subjected to vigorous, even open, lobbying to avoid a full lockdown. His decision indicates he never had the strength to even get close. Historically, business has been loath to take on the state directly for fear of retaliation. They weren’t afraid this time. The Malaysian Iron and Steel Federation asked for assurances there would be “no total lockdown.” The Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia suggested reducing the workforce on site.