KOTA KINABALU – Sabah leaders united behind the chief minister’s decision to relax Covid-19 standard operating procedures have recommended that Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob be barred from entering the state over his blunt remarks on the matter.
The leaders who have voiced support for Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor are Sepanggar’s Warisan MP Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman; Parti Bersatu Sabah’s (PBS) Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Sabah Star president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan; state Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin; and, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah Backbenchers’ Club chairman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.
Azis told The Vibes that he supports calls for Hajiji to declare Ismail Sabri “persona non grata” over the latter’s comments.
A slap to the Sabah chief minister is akin to a slap to all Sabahans. I agree with the call to bar Ismail Sabri from entering the state, as he has practically shamed Sabah over the state’s decision.
“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: although I’m in the opposition, in matters like this, I stand behind Hajiji, because after all, he is still chief minister.”
Ismail Sabri yesterday chided Sabah’s move to relax the SOPs by allowing dine-in, saying the state should tighten, not relax, guidelines.
In response, state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the decision hinges on the approval of Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Azis said federal SOPs should not be sweeping, and called for the rules in Sabah districts with low coronavirus caseloads to be loosened to allow economic activities to resume.
The same should be done in Perlis, which has the lowest infection numbers nationwide, he said.
Bangkuai, who is also state assistant tourism, culture and environment minister, said the decision to relax the SOPs follows a thorough review of Sabah’s virus situation.
He said PBS is confident that Putrajaya understands what is good and necessary for Sabah as the matter has been discussed by the state Disaster Management Committee, which includes federal agencies such as police, the Health Department and National Security Council.
Federal leaders, including Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, have always reiterated their understanding of Sabahans’ needs and wants, he said.
“This is further strengthened by the good relationship between the state and federal governments, which have always worked closely to reduce Covid-19 cases.”
Bung Moktar said Sabah’s decision to ease the SOPs should be viewed in a positive light, while fellow party man Datuk Jafry Ariffin slammed Ismail Sabri, saying it is unfair for all states to adhere to the same federal SOPs.
“(Sabah) contributes only a small fraction to the national Covid-19 tally, and so, different SOPs are needed.”
Salleh, in a Facebook post, said it is time to focus on the National Recovery Plan.
“We should be focusing on Sabah’s recovery, with SOPs retrofitted according to the current situation.”
He said several social and economic activities should be allowed, including dine-in at eateries, and the reopening of food stalls; outlets on hotel premises; roadside stalls selling vegetables, fish and fruits; and, barbershops. – The Vibes, June 30, 2021
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