[UPDATED] Health Ministry spares ex-PMs Muhyiddin, Najib from fines for Melaka ‘walkabout’

KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has decided not to issue a compound to two former prime ministers, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, for purportedly breaching government standard operating procedures in Melaka, as they were only participating in a “walkabout”.

However, compounds have been imposed against Melaka Perikatan Nasional (PN) and another individual. 

“The Health Ministry refers to a matter on social media concerning the violation of SOPs related to the Melaka election concerning Muhyiddin and Najib. 

“Investigations by the Melaka Health Department found no gatherings concerning the election throughout the duration of the visit, which was a walkabout by both individuals,” the statement by the Health Ministry read.

With regard to the two compounds issued, a RM20,000 fine was imposed against Melaka PN for organising the event involving Muhyiddin.

Meanwhile, another RM4,000 compound was issued to an unnamed individual for organising another programme, which was attended by Najib himself.

“Both compounds issued were imposed due to the organisers’ failure to comply with social distancing protocols,” the statement added.

The Melaka election is due to take place this month on November 20.

On October 24, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had announced that no physical activities related to the state polls will be allowed from October 25 to November 27, to curb Covid-19 transmissions.

The government then came under fire after PKR was fined RM10,000 by the authorities for trying to hold a “mobile” talk on a lorry in Paya Rumput, Melaka, with loudspeakers and no crowd last Saturday.

Yesterday, Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang had asserted in the Dewan Rakyat that the government will maintain its ban despite a push by various quarters to revoke the restriction.

He said the ministry will not simply reverse its decision based solely on the complaints of certain quarters pertaining to the standard operating procedures.

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) had called for the Election Commission to disallow “old norms” such as house visits, gatherings and talks during campaigning for the election, to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases.

“In the best interest of the people’s health and safety, the usual ‘old norms’ of political campaigning that involve house-to-house visits, gatherings, and talks should be avoided,” said MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai on October 20.

“We may be in the recovery phase of the pandemic, but we are still not out of the woods. Therefore, digital or virtual platforms should be used to campaign in order to prevent another surge of Covid-19 (cases),” he said. – The Vibes, November 2, 2021