LETTERS: The white flag campaign has been created to help less fortunate Malaysians who are struggling to cope during the Covid-19 crisis.
The concept is simple: if you are in need, fly the white flag and your neigbours and the online community will come to your aid. On the basis of this, food banks have been created, aid has been sent to old folks' homes and even foreigners have been given aid.
In particular, a group of foreigners in Taman Tun Dr Ismail who had all lost their jobs were openly aided by Malaysians from all walks of life. The beauty of Malaysian's generosity was seen in how race and religion were not considered a factor.
Menwhile, the red flag campaign works in much the same way as the white flag campaign. The only difference in this case, the targeted aid is given to Malaysians struggling to feed their furry friends.
It was started by the Malaysian Animal Association as, due to the economic conditions brought on by Covid-19, many families have been abandoning their pets.
Then, there's the black flag (#benderahitam) campaign to express dissatisfaction with the government. I offer a caveat that protest is necessary to express our views.
However, I fail to see the way in which this protest will help the Covid-19 situation.
The protest comes with three demands — the prime minister steps down, Parliament opens immediately and end the Emergency.
The problem is if the prime minister steps down, only two things can happen: another government is formed based on who can convince the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that he has the majority support or the other possibility is a fresh election.Given how Covid-19 cases spiked after the Sabah election, I am not in favour of another election, putting more strain on our already strained healthcare system.
This is especially undesirable as the Delta variant is making waves in the country.
As for the argument that a new government be formed, I wonder who will take the lead and what will this coalition consist of. There doesn't appear to be any viable alternative.
As for Parliament to be opened, I agree, but there needs to be a safe online alternative. It's not logical to have 222 politicians from all over the country convene in a single room. They have drivers, special officers and those in ministries will also bring along their aides.
Along with policemen, those holding other roles in Parliament and the press, the number could easily balloon to 1,000 in a single location, not including the Dewan Negara, which consists of another 70 people.
If the estimated 1,000 people end up going home or crossing states, that poses a huge risk to the healthcare system and everything that everyday Malaysians have suffered in helping to reduce Covid-19 cases.
Parliament should be opened and the Emergency should end, but we need to stop managing symptoms and look instead at what actual outcomes we seek.
To join a movement in protest is noble but to do it for the wrong reasons is another thing altogether. As such, I for one will just be on the lookout for white and red flags.
Winston Robertson
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times