A Johor Perikatan Nasional (PN) activist has defended Azmin Ali against claims that the senior minister flouted the movement control order (MCO) by participating in flood relief efforts over the weekend.
Saiful Bahari, representing PN-linked organisations Pemuda Negara and Penggerak Komuniti Negara, took to Facebook in response to the claims highlighted by Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
"The hate towards Azmin is unreasonable, triggered by Akmal Nasir. Akmal Nasir's tweets had ill intentions.
"His words merely raised questions and (he was) not looking for an answer from the International Trade and Industries Minister Azmin," Saiful Bahari said.
Akmal shared a photo of Azmin on Twitter yesterday, in which the senior minister was seen seated at a long table with five people, believed to be taken during a function in Pengerang, Johor.
"Heard there was a function with food in Pengerang?
"Isn't it now during MCO ordinary people can't even eat out at restaurants? Is it because of (his) minister (status)?" Akmal tweeted.
Meanwhile, Saiful Bahari reiterated Azmin's reported remarks that the ministry's flood relief mission had obtained all necessary approvals and was in compliance with strict procedures, including travelling with only two persons in one car.
"All meetings with the people and aid distribution sessions happened with strict compliance to SOPs, including wearing of face masks and social distancing.
"And just for information, yesterday's programme was personally monitored by Johor Crime Prevention and Community Safety chief Alzafny Ahmad and his team from PDRM," Saiful Bahari said.
He added that Azmin himself had followed all SOPs, while the overall initiative was carried out by the International Trade and Industries Ministry as well as its agencies in partnership with the Federation of Manufacturers Malaysia.
He pointed out that the ministry's partnership with the private sector was a sign of Azmin's commitment to assisting people in need, in his capacity as minister.
As for the chosen locations, Saiful Bahari said Kota Tinggi and Pengerang were among the areas worst hit by the floods this year, affecting about 2,000 families and 7,000 people.
"This natural disaster will have a direct impact on attracting investors to Kota Tinggi and Pengerang," he added.
Thousands of people were evacuated as relentless rainfall, since Jan 1, inundated parts of Johor, followed by a brief reprieve and another round of heavy rain several days ago. - Mkini
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