SHAH ALAM - The inadequacy of the Federal administration in handling the effects of the pandemic has caused a large swath of Malaysians to be more vocal and proactive in demanding fair treatment and a sense of accountability from those in public office, said Klang MP Charles Santiago.
Speaking to Sinar Daily, the DAP lawmaker said the most poignant example is the "white flag” campaign initiated by fellow Malaysians to help those in need during the nationwide lockdown last year.
"I think people are standing up they are fighting back because of Covid-19. The white flag campaign was good because the government was caught sleeping so the people said we have to take ownership.
Santiago said a similar reaction happen during the massive floods that hit various states late last year, where ordinary Malaysians have collaborated to aid those in need, pointing to the fact that these reactions raise hope for a better nation in the coming future.
However, when pressed whether the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition could once again hold Putrajaya, amidst concerns of a fracturing alliance, Santiago remains hopeful but acknowledge there is for "change” with the coalition.
"Well, there is a need for how things are done to change but compare to Umno they are even more fractured. Look at what they are doing, one cluster within Umno is ruining the country,’’ he said, referring to the apty name court cluster now synonymous with several top Umno leaders.