The cartoon depicts a govt officer enticing the migrants with a syringe (Free Vaccine) on one hand and another with a handcuff hidden behind. According to Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) persistent fears remain amongst the vulnerable communities, including migrants, refugees and the stateless, on possible negative repercussions; resulting in the reluctance of many to come forward for testing. The news of actual large-scale arrests, taking place in the last 72 hours, is counter-productive and clearly a step backward in the on-going public health response to the pandemic.

These large scale arrests reinforces the negative perception within the communities, thereby reaffirming their original fear of arrest and detention. As a consequence, one can expect, these vulnerable people will be less willing to come forward for any tests or medical treatment, regardless of the argument or persuasion for them to do so. SUHAKAM urges the authorities to immediately cease the arrests, with a view to salvage any remaining trust there is for the authorities; and revert to the initial promise of locating and treating infected persons regardless of their status.

The cartoon shows that the helpless Orang Asli together with some huge logs were bulldozed by the illegal logger protected by the authorities (Govt.)

This also indicates that of long-standing grievances — land grabs, forced conversions, harassment by police and racial prejudice directed against the Orang Asli.

The cartoon depicts a media guy feeling annoyed and frustrated because his recorder cable unplugged by a huge hand (Government). This is a very common scenario in Malaysia when media reporting is heavily censored because of government monitoring. Criticism of this government is not welcome. Traditional media are heavily legally restricted. The mainstream media will be constantly watching their backs for Sedition Act and Printing Presses and Publications Act etc.