Sunday Times 2
Every man for himself: Self-centred political agendas in times of health crisis
“Every man for himself and God for us all.” Geoffrey Chaucer, an outstanding English poet before Shakespeare, quoted this saying as far back as in the 14th Century. It implied that, if one did not look out for oneself, no one would. No selfishness was implied. That was the case then.
In the modern context, however, selfishness is implied because selfishness has become the order of the day, especially with politicians.
According to the President of the All Ceylon Government Medical Officers’ Association (ACGMOA), the Sri Lanka Government had not paid heed to the advice of the health authorities to take appropriate action to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic from reaching Sri Lanka when it was spreading the world over causing thousands of deaths. The lockdowns and quarantines to contain the spread of the pandemic were imposed only after it reached Sri Lanka and the people started to panic. This was effective up to a point, but now it has got out of hand.
Yet, the top priority of the Government now is to hold parliamentary elections using its popularity and harping on the ‘immediate action’ taken. With this selfish motive, it is ignoring the downside of the moves that it is planning.
The ACGMOA has pointed out, in no uncertain terms, that the Government is manipulating facts for political considerations. It also points out restrictions that are not practical, but are there only to show that public welfare measures are in place, and thereafter to put the blame on the people. The ACGMOA also alleges that the Government is hiding vital information, some of which are essential for the people to fight the Corona virus.
Such cover-up would lead to unmanageable disasters of gigantic proportions. It also alleges that the Government is deliberately issuing false information to show that the coronavirus is under control, and the ground situation is conducive to hold parliamentary elections. This the ACGMOA describes as terrifying. Terrifying it is when life and death matters are thus subordinated to petty political impulses.
Adding to this Covid crisis is the constitutional crisis created by the dissolution of Parliament. Under the circumstances, it would be feasible to recall the old parliament as provided for in the Constitution. But the president does not accept this proposition preferring to indulge in immediate political power play instead.
As no light can be seen at the end of the tunnel with selfish men at the helm calling the tune, we will now have to look to the second part of the sage old saying, ‘God for all of us.’ Let us all with one accord, whatever religion, creed or philosophy we belong to, pray for divine intervention
With the lockdowns, quarantines and other enforced precautions, the skies are already blue and rivers clear. If we stop polluting the environment, the creator of Mother Nature would intervene and the coronavirus will fizzle off. God is the last hope for us all. Invoke God with faith and he will not fail us.
(The writer is a Retired Senior Superintendent of Police. He can be contacted at seneviratnetz@gmail.com)