In a statement, it said controlling virus transmissibility, routine vaccination programmes, efficient testing, and improving healthcare capacity, were among the areas that required clear policy shifts in order to treat Covid-19 “as part of daily Malaysian life”.

Unless the health system was strengthened, it said there was a need to exercise caution in labelling the virus as endemic.

“Otherwise, we risk a complacent population or a public administration that stops focusing on Covid-19.”

It also urged health minister Khairy Jamaluddin to rope in health advisers and partners, especially from among health experts outside the ministry.

These non-ministry partners, it said, should be embedded within the decision-making and implementation process, rather than be consulted on an ad hoc basis.

“A good working model is the Greater Klang Valley Task Force.” The task force, according to reports, is expected to be disbanded as early as next week.

The coalition went on to say that while it welcomed the 100-day KPI set by Khairy, the nation was in the middle of a raging pandemic and some urgent measures must be taken well before the 100-day mark.

Therefore, they suggested that Khairy agree on a phased set of KPIs – which should be publicised – to be achieved within 30, 60, and 90 days, together with experts from within and outside the ministry.

These phased KPIs, the group said, must be publicised for accountability, and also to unite all of Malaysia to achieve the KPIs together.

“We must now make up for some lost time due to the political instability of the last 18-months.”

Earlier this month, Khairy said Malaysia was expected to move from the Covid-19 pandemic into the endemic phase by the end of October.

He said the move was in line with the government’s target to ensure at least 80% of the adult population in the country was fully vaccinated by then.

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