As Malaysia ushered 2021 with much hope and renewed optimism after a year marred by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, it turned out to be yet another challenging year. Though there were turns and twists, Malaysians witnessed highs and lows both politically and economically. Here are some of the key memorable moments of 2021.
Proclamation of Emergency (Proklamasi Darurat Malaysia 2021)
Barely ringing in the New Year, the nation plunged into much uncertainty with the Proclamation of Emergency. The emergency state took effect on 11th January 2021 and lasted till 1st August 2021. It was only the ninth emergency ever to have been declared in our nation’s history. The emergency was declared to curb the COVID-19 outbreak but was met with much skepticism and disillusionment by politicians and businesses alike.
Forging Ahead with Malaysia’s Digital Aspiration
To spearhead the country’s digital economy development, the government launched Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital) in February 21. The blueprint, comprising action plans which adopted a whole-of-nation approach to complement the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, aims to empower every Malaysian to improve their lives in all aspects through the ideas and plans of improving digital literacy and adopt a digital lifestyle.
Parliamentary Chaos
Barely 17 months in power, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as a prime minister as he lost majority support of the Dewan Rakyat, following the withdrawal of UMNO’s support for Perikatan Nasional (PN). Amid the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic and politic volatilities, August 21st marked the day Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was sworn in as Malaysia’s ninth prime minister. The appointment also signaled the return of United Malaysia National Organization or UMNO, which lost the 2018 general elections, to the country’s premiership.
National Covid-19 Immunization Program (PICK)
Malaysia rolled out its National Covid-19 Immunization Program (PICK) on the 24th February 2021 seeding new hope for Malaysians to face up to Covid-19. The program was swiftly implemented with immunization in three phases. Though the program had its fair share of flaws and setbacks, Malaysia has reached 78.5% of its population fully vaccinated with 26,023,070 individuals partially vaccinated.
Light at the End of the Tunnel – Interstate Travel
The decision is made again after almost 90% of the adult population are fully vaccinated, as an effort to reopen the economy and preparation towards the endemic phase, known as #ReopeningSafely.
A Prosperous Malaysian Family
In October 2021, the government tabled Budget 2022 with the theme “Keluarga Malaysia, Makmur Sejahtera (A Prosperous Malaysian Family)”. A total of RM 332.1 billion was allocated for 2022 in which the highest value compared to the previous budgets. The national Budget comprises RM233.5 billion in operating expenditure, RM75.6 billion in development expenditure and RM23 billion for the COVID-19 fund.
Interstate Travel & Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) With Singapore
Bringing some cheer to the travel-starved since the 3rd MCO was implemented, Malaysians finally tasted more freedom when the government relaxed the SOPs and allowed interstate travels. October 11 marked the lifting of nationwide interstate travel. Travel between Malaysia and Singapore was finally allowed from 29th November, through the setting up of a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore via land or air. The lane allowed for fully vaccinated individuals to travel between both countries —subjected to COVID-19 tests in lieu of quarantine or Stay-Home notices.
Yet More Disasters
For a nation still reeling from the successive waves of Covid-19 cases, the recent floods dealt another severe blow. On 16 December 2021, a tropical depression made landfall on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, bringing torrential downpours throughout the peninsula for three days. The resulting floods affected eight states across the country.
Such disasters remind us how much damage unmitigated development and deforestation have resulted. It also serves as a wake-up call for the authorities to seriously review its competence and preparedness to face such calamities in the near future.
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