KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi today lashed out after the Prime Minister’s Office threatened to sue over allegations that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin refused to self-isolate after returning from Indonesia.
In a Facebook post, Puad questioned if the emergency declaration allows ministers to issue “instructions” using the federal gazette.
“Under emergency, the federal constitution is suspended and administration is decided by the executive. That’s the explanation given by Professor Shamrahayu (Ab Aziz) here.
“But does this mean that ministers can issue ‘instructions’ using the federal gazette? For instance, a minister who returns from an overseas trip is quarantined for three days and not 10 days. What is the purpose of the emergency? Is it to fulfil the needs and comfort of ministers?
“Don’t use the emergency to stop the public from asking and requesting an explanation. Am I being sued because I asked a question?” said Puad.
At the time of writing, the post had received 41 comments and 18 shares, with many voicing their support for the Umno leader.
In a post yesterday, Puad had questioned if there were double standards for the movement control order’s standard operating procedures, with one set of rules meant for average Malaysians, and another less restricting set for ministers.
The former deputy minister had noted that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba had suddenly issued a letter saying that all ministers returning from overseas do not need to undergo the 10-day quarantine and are exempt from Section 15 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 342.
“Is it true there was a commotion at Subang Airport? Health Ministry officers were waiting to quarantine the PM’s entourage from Jakarta. It was said that they did not want to be quarantined for 10 days. The people need an explanation.
“This is the reason why the minister issued a new directive through the federal gazette. A three-day quarantine only. Are the instructions from the health director-general under Act 342 being overruled?
“If you don’t want to be quarantined, why do you need to leave the country? If you only need to discuss on the green lane, you might as well just hold a virtual conference. Are there two standards for the MCO?” Puad had asked.
In response, the PMO issued a statement, threatening legal action against Puad.
Yesterday, the PMO denied the allegation that the new three-day quarantine ruling for ministers was gazetted because Muhyiddin refused to obey standard operating procedures after returning from his official visit.
The PMO said the prime minister was issued a home surveillance and observation order, and was made to wear a wristband as soon as he arrived from Jakarta last Friday, adding that he is currently undergoing home quarantine.
“The slander by Puad is malicious and intended to tarnish the good name of the prime minister.
“Legal action will be taken against him if he fails to publicly apologise.” – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
