Police reports lodged against religious affairs minister for allegedly violating MCO

CORONAVIRUS | Several police reports have been lodged against the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zulkifli Mohamad for allegedly violating the movement control order (MCO).

Malaysiakini is made aware that at least five reports have been lodged against Zulkifli (photo) who is the de facto Islamic affairs minister, for allegedly inviting several individuals to his office in Putrajaya during the MCO.

Police reports sighted by Malaysiakini showed the reports were filed in Selangor, Johor and Kelantan earlier this month.

Among others, the complainant questioned Zulkifli’s actions in meeting with Umno supreme council member Fathul Bari Mat Jahya, university lecturers Rozaimi Ramli and Ahmad Kamilin Jamilin and others.

The meeting was purportedly held to discuss a project concerning the translation of a holy book that is being planned.

Images of the meeting were uploaded on social media by Zulkifli, who is the former Federal Territories mufti.

One complainant, who declined to be named, claimed the minister’s action was in direct violation of the MCO and called on authorities to investigate.

“The images uploaded on Facebook clearly shows a meeting taking place without any social distancing measures.

“The same goes for the individuals who went beyond 10 km to meet with him during the MCO.

“A detailed investigation must be carried out and appropriate action is taken if he (Zulkifli) is found to have breached the MCO,” the complainant said to Malaysiakini.

Malaysiakini has attempted to contact Zulkifli, but have yet to receive a response.

From March 18, the country was under a partial shutdown with almost all movements restricted. Only businesses considered essential were allowed to operate, including ministerial work or that by elected representatives.

The government imposed a 10km regulation on April 1, with any travel beyond disallowed unless there were no shops or medical facilities providing essential goods and services within that radius.

However, the government then imposed a conditional MCO from May 4 with has seen the easing of regulations, with most businesses and activities allowed to resume under strict conditions and the 10km rule removed.

Any activities or businesses involving a large gathering of people, close bodily contact and inability to maintain social distancing are not permitted.

On May 5, Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid, who is the daughter of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and her husband Saiful Nizam both pleaded guilty for violating the MCO and was fined RM800 each.

The couple were investigated for breaching the MCO after she posted photographs online of meetings with Deputy Environment and Water Minister Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad and Zulkifli.

Other VIPs charged for violating the MCO included Deputy Health Minister Noor Azmi Ghazali and Perak executive councillor Razman Zakaria last month.

Both were fined RM1,000 each. - Mkini