By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 11: Emotional outbursts and baseless accusations will not only worsen the fight against Covid-19 in Sarawak but will undermine the confidence of Sarawakians in facing the whole situation and bring about long-term damage.
In view of this, Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division chairman Dato Richard Wee said it is unwise spread baseless rumours which have become very common recently or to succumb to such falsehoods.
“There are many false rumours and accusations circulating on social platforms recently. Some are emotional outbursts while others are racist in nature. Then there are also those which are falsely created, resulting in widespread baseless rumours, causing panic among the public.
“These widely circulated messages will undermine the confidence of the people in facing the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Wee in a press statement today.
Wee also urged Sarawakians to be positive by refusing to take on the role of a victim.
“We should shake off the mentality of being victims and take on a more proactive attitude of tackling the pandemic head on in whichever way we can,” said Wee.
Wee, who is also Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations chairman, urged Sarawakians from all walks of life to voice out only constructive suggestions and apply a rational attitude in the face of any dissatisfaction or frustration due to the various standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the authorities.
“Dissatisfied individual should contact and communicate with authorities through their guilds or associations and put forth their suggestions or effective strategies to improve Covid-19 preventive measures.
“Government agencies or authorities should in return, listen to public opinion and be more flexible while making decisions or policies in fighting the pandemic so that people may continue to maintain their livelihood during this difficult time,” said Wee.
He said whatever Sarawakians are facing is what the whole world is facing, and there is no other way to handle it but to work as a team to overcome the whole situation brought about by the pandemic.
“Covid-19 has brought about serious repercussions and negative impact to us, and the whole world. The situation is hard, and under such circumstances, it is understandable that many are stressed. Despite this, we urge all to remain rational and calm.
“Let us face it together. With the availability of the vaccines, the hard times may be over soon. However, be reminded that even with the vaccines, we still have to keep adhering to all the SOPs,” said Wee. — DayakDaily
