GEORGE TOWN: The Cabinet ministers must get their act together and formulate effective action plans in battling the Covid-19 pandemic and improving the economy, say associations.

       Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah said the newly-minted ministers should strive to leave a positive mark in conjunction with the 64th National Day.

       Brighter prospects ahead: Murugiah, Mohd Yussof and Khor have confidence in the country finding its way out of the crisis.

       “In the spirit of Merdeka, the Cabinet ministers must realise that they have the responsibility to protect the peace that we have enjoyed all these years.

       “The well-being and interest of the people must be well taken care of.

       “Not to forget, they must also tackle the pandemic and make our economy viable again,” he said.

       He also called upon all Cabinet ministers to spring into action for the betterment of the people and the country.

       Penang Malay Association (Pemenang) president Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff said the ministers must prove their worth in driving the economic growth and battling the Covid-19 outbreak.

       “This is our 64th National Day. It is highly hoped that the new Cabinet ministers can perform above the expectations set by the Prime Minister,” he said.

       Mohd Yussof said with the newly coined Malaysian Family concept, the people should give the ministers a chance to prove their capabilities in bringing the nation out of the crisis.

       He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Cabinet should map out a plan to handle the crisis that has affected the people for almost two years.

       Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Datuk Seri Khor Teng How believed the current government could contain the pandemic and tackle the declining economy.

       “It’s a good decision to appoint Khairy Jamaluddin as the Health Minister.

       “With him fully in charge of vaccination-related programmes and health strategies in combating Covid-19, everything looks promising.

       “Due to the worsening pandemic, our economy has been badly affected.

       “The government must immediately look into ways to stimulate the economic growth.

       “The public should also play its role in fighting the virus. They should follow the standard operating procedure,” he said.