Azmin: Warning of legal action not a threat, cooperation crucial

Senior Minister Azmin Ali has stressed that his warning to state governments of possibly facing legal action by industry players for the former's refusal to reopen the economy is not a threat but a reminder.

"This is not a threat. It's a form of a reminder that the cooperation between the federal government and states is crucial to achieving a balance between public health and the recovery of the country.

"Nobody can deny that these two factors are important and we need to give this thorough consideration," he said.

Azmin (above), who is the minister of International Trade and Industry, was speaking on an Astro Awani talk show this evening on the topic of revitalising the economy.

Yesterday, Azmin warned state governments of possible legal action based on a May 3 federal gazette that gazetted the conditional movement control order (MCO) under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

It was reported that at least six states - Sarawak, Sabah, Penang, Pahang, Kelantan and Kedah – had declined to reopen their economies under the conditional MCO.

The conditional MCO with the effort to kickstart the economy has met with criticism from several states.

Selangor had included additional measures not mandated by the federal government in which its Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari stated that Selangor had the authority to do so.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow claimed that Putrajaya did not provide the 13 state governments adequate time to prepare.

In East Malaysia, Sarawak decided to maintain the status quo in terms of the MCO restrictions, while Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal emphasised the need to prioritise saving lives before restarting the economy.

In closing the difference gap, Azmin highlighted the need for continuous engagement between Putrajaya and state governments.

"Engagement is a long and continuous process, not only in this context (of reopening the economy) and ends there.

"It's important and that's why we engaged the state representatives in the economic action council.

"The Prime Minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) himself took a very positive and open-minded stand in the recent National Security Council meeting involving state heads," he said.

Chow had earlier lambasted Azmin for being "lazy".

"I want to ask the senior minister: What was he expecting when as the minister in charge he was too lazy to engage all the state governments to reach a consensus on the implementation (of the conditional MCO)?" Chow said.

On May 1, Muhyiddin announced that most economic activities that do not involve large gatherings will be allowed to resume operations on May 4. - Mkini