The world of Tzu Chi May 2020 (Vol.122)

eature All for a better future F or Malaysians, the year 2020 was envisioned to be a year brimming with hope and promise, as the nation progresses towards the goal of becoming a fully-developed nation in keeping with Vision 2020, a Malaysian ideal introduced in 1991 by the then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The nation aspired to foster a unitedMalaysian race, living together in harmony with shared values regardless of our differences. Over the years, twists and turns in Malaysia’s developmental trajectory charted a new path forward for the country, while Vision 2020 takes a backseat for the time being. However, no one had expected to start 2020 in the throes of an intensifying pandemic that has caused anxiety and fear worldwide. On January 25, 2020, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the nation’s first confirmed Covid-19 case. The first locally- infected case was confirmed on February 5. Since then, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases had been gradually rising by the single Instead of realizingVision 2020, Malaysia is now confronted with the unforeseen hurdle of 2020 that is Covid-19, the pandemic that has marked a turning point in the history of mankind. Nevertheless, so long as we stand in solidarity, the hopeful possibility of transforming a crisis into an opportunity for starting anew remains. digit, as the MOH kept a close watch on the situation. No new confirmed cases were declared over the 12 days between February 15 and 26. The number of infections soared with the discovery of the Sri Petaling tabligh gathering cluster, many of whom had tested positive for Covid-19 and unknowingly transmitted the virus, triggering a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases nationwide. The government finally decided to enforce the MCO effective March 18 alongside social distancing measures to disrupt the chain of infection. Social distancing rules, wearing face masks and adhering to personal hygiene practices have now become part of the “new normal” at home and abroad. Malaysians have also become increasingly aware of the necessity of the MCO, staying at home while supporting each other in various ways. United we stand, divided we fall – we will only have a chance at defeating our common enemy if we are willing to set aside our prejudices and come together as one. Image source: Freepik.com 2020 • 05 26