PM: S.O.P. fines for BN leaders show govt does not discriminate
SHAH ALAM: Compounds issued against Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, including a senior minister, for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) in Johor recently, are proof the government is fair to all.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said here yesterday there was no need for the minister who breached the SOP to resign since his action was not tantamount to a criminal offence.
He, however, said it was important for people to comply with the SOP to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“What is important in this issue is that we have taken action and that there is no concept of upperclass or those belonging to the ‘kayangan’ group being spared.
“And the compound issued against them (BN leaders) shows that the government does not differentiate people when it comes to enforcing SOP.
“Irrespective if you are a minister, deputy minister, head of department or others, compounds will be issued against you if you fail to comply with the SOP.”
He was asked to comment on the calls made by opposition members of parliament for the minister caught violating the SOP to resign.
It was reported that Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had instructed for compounds to be issued against BN leaders for violating the SOP at an event in Johor on Sunday.
Among them included BN treasurer-general Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is also senior defence minister.
Khairy, on his Twitter account, said the compound would be issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
“I have instructed Health Ministry officers to issue compounds to BN treasurer-general Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Johor BN chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad, MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran and the event organiser under Act 342.
“The Health Ministry will continue to monitor the SOP during Johor state election,” said Khairy.
He was commenting on a video of BN leaders’ arrival at the launch of the Johor MIC Brigade at EduCity in Kota Iskandar, Johor, which drew flak for large crowds gathering in one place without physical distancing.
On the SOP for the election, Ismail Sabri said it would be issued by the Election Commission (EC).
“EC is an independent body and we (the government) will not be involved in the preparation of the SOP (for the election).
“However, I believe EC will obtain views from the Health Ministry in the formulation of the SOP and they will announce it once it is ready.
“So let us wait for the announcement.”