Critics rue 'double standards' after slap on wrist for PM report card event

 

Critics have called out Putrajaya over alleged double standards after a government report card event that flouted physical distancing resulted in just an RM1,000 fine.

PKR's Kota Anggerik assemblyperson Najwan Halimi said the fine was the "joke of the year".

"Does the government think the people are stupid?

"Why is the compound so light and unreasonable compared to compounds slapped onto political programme organisers during the Malacca elections?" he asked when contacted by Malaysiakini.

During the Malacca polls, nine compounds totalling RM120,000 were issued under the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act (Act 342).

Several of the compounds during campaigning ranged from RM4,000 for individuals to RM20,000 for organisers.

At the time, compounds under Act 342 were elevated due to emergency ordinances, which were fully repealed on Dec 8 by the Senate.

Hence, when Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob unveiled his cabinet's 100-day report card at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Thursday (Dec 9), the maximum fine under Act 342 would have reverted to RM1,000.

However, critics on social media have compared the event - which had a packed crowd - to a separate event on the same day in the same city which drew a whopping fine.

Nightclub's raid

Late on Thursday night, Kuala Lumpur police raided an entertainment centre and issued compounds totalling RM220,000 to 44 patrons - an average of RM5,000 per person.

The owner was also slapped with an RM25,000 compound.

The Vibes quoted Kuala Lumpur police crime prevention and community safety division chief Azman Ayob as saying that the compounds were issued under Act 342 as well.

It is unclear whether the patrons and owner were compounded over multiple infractions that cost them RM1,000 each, or if the compounds still followed the raised limits as per the emergency ordinances, which were repealed the day before.

However, it raises questions on whether the government report card event organiser should have been compounded over multiple infractions or if more people should have been fined.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, who was fined RM3,000 under Act 342 over three infractions while marching to Parliament in August, believes this should be the case.

"You can look at all the rules the organiser broke (and issue multiple fines).

"Plus, the attendees (at the report card event) are also liable to multiple compounds," he said.

Bad example

Meanwhile, Muda operations director Dr Mathen Nair said the RM1,000 compound the government issued to itself was a clear case of double standards.

This he said, set a bad example to the public whom the government wants to comply with Covid-19 prevention SOPs.

"This has been one the biggest obstacles for social compliance of SOPs since the beginning of pandemic - the double standards on compliance and rule of law.

"The leaders have failed to lead by example. Many have gone unpunished or given small compounds in comparison to normal citizens." Mathen said.

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said Ismail Sabri should have done something when he saw SOPs were being flouted.

"If he was serious about SOP compliance, he should have walked out and not endorsed the event once he himself see the infringements," he said.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin - who was at the event - has expressed regret over the lack of physical distancing that day, and said the government should have lived up to higher standards. - Mkini