Human rights in the time of coronavirus

All Malaysians are barred from travelling abroad and foreign tourists and visitors are not be allowed to enter the country. All schools, government and private premises are closed except those providing essential services.

The total number of cases in Malaysia began to dramatically rise this month and the figure now stands at more than 1,180. This is an unprecedented public health crisis which is affecting all of us. While the government is correct in taking these drastic but necessary measures, human rights, in particular the principles of equality and non-discrimination, must not be set aside.