Gan Kim Yong says the virus can’t be fooled, but what about the people?

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong yesterday warned that it’s pointless to try and circumvent the safe distancing measures: “You can fool the rules but you cannot fool the virus.”We have to wonder why he didn’t say this to the Members of Parliament from his own party who played the role of safe distancing ambassador and COVID-19 fighters, going on walkabouts during the circuit breaker to conduct checks and hand out masks and other items.In fooling the rules, were they trying to fool the virus?We also have to ask: Is the Phase 2 of reopening on Friday decided in view of the evolving COVID-19 situation or it is timed to prioritise election over public health? Are they trying to fool the virus – and fool the people?Such questions are being asked because things could not have been scripted any better. Look at what’s coming up:

Thursday 18 June:	Singaporeans receive cash payouts
Friday 19 June:	Phase Two of reopening
Saturday 20 June:	Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat delivers the sixth and final televised national broadcast

A one-two-three punch over three consecutive days! Purely coincidental or carefully scripted?Will it sweeten the ground and pave the way for the general election to be called next week, from Monday 22 June onwards?The writing has been on the wall.When we asked for accountability for mishandling of the pandemic, the retort was there will be a right time for accountability – for now, let’s deal with the COVID-19 crisis.But in their next breath, they say let’s rally together, give us a strong mandate at the upcoming general election.So accountability can wait but the election cannot wait.And while they already have a mandate, they urgently need a fresh mandate to deal with the crisis.After the one-two-three punch, it would be a surprise for the general election NOT to be called next week.