KUALA LUMPUR – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah are going through self-isolation as a precautionary measure upon being identified as close contacts of Covid-19 positive minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, during last week’s cabinet meeting.
Both Redzuan and Saifuddin told The Star that despite their close seating proximity to Mustapa, there was no physical contact as a screen is installed between each cabinet member during the meeting.
In addition to undergoing swab tests and self-isolation, the ministers also said that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was seated about seven chairs away – about 7m – from Mustapa.
Mustapa, who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) confirmed yesterday that he is positive for Covid-19 after a test in Kota Baru on Saturday.
He has been admitted to Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital.
In a statement issued by his office, the 70-year-old said an initial test taken on January 1 had shown him to be negative for the coronavirus.
The Jeli MP, who had taken the Covid-19 test shortly after landing in Kota Baru from here on Saturday morning, is presently under observation and reportedly under stable condition at the hospital.
He also apologised for any inconvenience caused due to his positive test and requested that all parties pray for everyone’s well-being.
Mustapa is the second cabinet minister to be infected by Covid-19 after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri tested positive in October last year.
This led to those in close contact with him, including cabinet ministers and Muhyiddin, to undergo health screenings and self-quarantine.
In the meantime, all Bersatu leaders who had attended its Supreme Council meeting on January 6 with Mustapa have been ordered to undergo Covid-19 tests immediately.
Party information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan confirmed Mustapa’s attendence at the meeting, which was conducted according to standard operating procedures.
As a preventative measure, Wan Saiful also confirmed issuing the order to all party council members to take a Covid-19 test immediately via Bersatu’s WhatsApp group.
Besides Wan Saiful, those who attended the meeting include party president Muhyiddin, deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, and Supreme Council members Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Zuraida Kamaruddin Saifuddin, and Redzuan.
Also present were Srikandi (Women) chief Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun, Armada (youth) chief Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal and Srikandi vice-chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. – The Vibes, January 11, 2021
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