Azmin, Hisham confident resilient M'sians can beat Covid-19

International Trade and Industries Minister Azmin Ali lauded Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's decision to impose a 14-day restricted movement order, effective tomorrow.

Taking to Twitter, he described this as the best step forward to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Apart from expressing confidence in the national healthcare system, Azmin also believes that Malaysians can overcome this crisis.

“I have full confidence in our healthcare system and the resilience of the Malaysian people to weather the crisis,” he added.

Come what may, Azmin pledged that the government would ensure the welfare of the people is not compromised.

“We need to stand shoulder to shoulder and work hand in glove to overcome any challenges posed by the pandemic. To quote Winston Churchill, 'Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves',” he added.

Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein echoed a similar sentiment.

“To my fellow Malaysians, I wish you safety. Please cooperate with the Government as we go through this difficult period.

“Malaysians are resilient and I am confident we will overcome this even stronger. InsyaAllah,” he tweeted.

Both Azmin and Hishammuddin played key roles in the formation of the new ruling coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government last month.

Curbing the Covid-19 outbreak has become a major test for the fledgling PN, which was already displaying signs of internal cracks with Umno complaining about the new Cabinet line-up.

Covid-19 cases in Malaysia witnessed a significant increase over the past two weeks, leading the country to have the highest number of infected patients in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, former Kepong MP Tan Seng Giaw questioned if the supply of essential goods could be guaranteed when the control order is enforced.

“National movement control order has something to do with transportation. How do the authorities ensure that essential goods are supplied to shops, markets and supermarkets?” he tweeted.

Last night, Muhyiddin announced that the government would impose the restricted movement order, which involves the following:

1. A ban on all mass gatherings, including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.

All business premises will have to close, except supermarkets, wet markets, grocery shops and convenience stores.

2. All Malaysians are banned from travelling abroad while Malaysians returning from abroad will have to undergo health screenings and undergo self-quarantine for 14 days.

3. Entry restrictions for foreign tourists and visitors.

4. The suspension of all schools and learning institutions.

5. All higher learning institutions and skill training centres will have to close.

6. All government and private premises must close except for essential services - water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal services, transport, maritime, fuel, gas, lubricants, broadcast, financial services, banking, healthcare, pharmacies, fire and rescue, prisons, ports, airports, security, defence, cleaning and supplying of food.

More details regarding the order are expected to be announced today. - Mkini