Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he will review a video depicting former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak purportedly violating Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) during a campaign visit in Perling, Johor this morning.
Saying that Najib can be issued a compound if he is found to be at fault, Khairy (above) pointed out that there are also cases where public figures are blamed for commotions created by members of the public.
"If from the video we find that he (Najib) had caused SOP to be violated, then we can issue a compound.
"But, I also have to say this. There are times when people watch a video and (quickly) jump to conclusions blaming the leaders who are present at the location.
"I am not talking about this particular incident alone, but in general, where the ones who caused the commotion are the public.
"So in such cases, I have asked that we should give a warning first, that the people should not huddle around the leaders.
“Secondly, we also ask them to abide by the physical distancing rule during programmes such as walkabout," Khairy told reporters during a press conference held at the Simpang Renggam Health Clinic's Covid-19 Assessment Centre in Johor earlier today.
The minister was there for a visit on the side of his campaign trail for BN candidates contesting the Johor election.
He was responding to a request for comment regarding political parties' failure to follow Covid-19 SOP in their campaign activities. This includes an event attended by Najib when he campaigned for Perling MCA candidate Nicole Tan Hiang Kee this morning.
Khairy said he had issued an order for MOH law enforcement officers to give compounds against SOP violators, regardless of their status or political background if they are found to be at fault.
However, he added, the officers were also told to use their discretion when enforcing the law.
"I know that many want to take selfies (with leaders) when we come down. So I have asked the law enforcers to also use their discretion.
"Because sometimes, when people come to take photos, and then only because of the five seconds moment we issue them a compound... we have to use some discretion.
"If they are really stubborn then it is okay to compound. We need to have discretion. My law enforcement officers have the power of discretion, to see if it is appropriate to issue a fine or not," he said.
‘It was not the journalist’s fault’
Meanwhile, in the case of a Sin Chew Daily journalist fined RM1,000 yesterday for allegedly violating SOP when covering the nomination process of candidates contesting the Larkin state seat in Johor Bahru, Khairy said he has ordered for the fine to be cancelled.
Yesterday, journalist Wong Kian Yong, 42, was issued an RM1,000 fine after authorities claimed he had failed to observe social distancing requirements.
"I have reviewed the report and found that it was not his fault. I have told the law enforcement officers that... if journalists are doing their work, give a fair warning first.
"If it is not his or her fault, the journalist was getting an interview and such, do not issue a fine.
"But reporters also please follow the SOP." - Mkini
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