Waiting for a fatwa to fight the coronavirus?

COMMENT | Use logic. Use common sense. Use the science of blitzkrieg decision-making. Every minute counts! This is a new war!

A fatwa to decide on what to do with activities in the houses of worship. This is what I read in the news today concerning what the new Malaysian religious authorities are doing regarding the curbing of religious gatherings involving Muslims.

For the last few days, the Sri Petaling mosque has been reported to be the centre of the spread of the deadly virus as the almost 15,000-strong members of the Jemaah Tabligh had their gathering. Then there was also a gathering of 30,000-strong Hindus in Penang for a festival, and one of “silat masters” (Malay martial arts gurus) in Sarawak. There is also an upcoming Tourism convention that is not yet cancelled.

Close all mosques for now, like what the churches are doing with their house of worships. Schools, learning institutions, and places of mass social gatherings need to be closed for now. For public safety. For deep sanitation purpose. For the control of community infection.

'Tak apa lah'

The prime minister can make his executive decision, taking the opinion of medical experts from within and outside of the country. Learn fast from other countries. Why are Malaysians so pathetic in dealing with an issue as pathological and lethal as this? The “tak apa lah” (nevermind) attitude...