Coronavirus: backlash as Malaysian politicians caught flouting Covid-19 lockdown

Nearly 16,000 Malaysians face either fines or jail terms after being caught breaking restrictions on social gatherings and travel

Yet a string of politicians appear to have got away with similar transgressions largely uncensured

Reading Time:3 minutes

Malaysia's Deputy Health Minister Noor Azmi Ghazali was criticised after sharing on Facebook this picture of him sharing a meal with about 30 students. He has since deleted the picture. Photo: Facebook

Published: 6:30pm, 20 Apr 2020Updated: 9:18pm, 20 Apr 2020

Malaysian politicians spotted flouting government restrictions on social gatherings and travel are facing a backlash from an angry public accusing them of double standards.

It emerged this week that nearly 16,000 Malaysians faced either fines or jail terms after being caught breaking lockdown rules aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus, yet a string of politicians who have made similar transgressions appear to have escaped largely uncensured.

Last week, Malaysia’s deputy health minister Noor Azmi Ghazali caused uproar on social media after posting a photograph on Facebook of him and another elected representative sharing a meal with about 30 students. Users immediately questioned why he was breaching the nation’s movement control order, which was introduced on March 18 and prohibits gatherings and social visits. Noor Azmi then removed the picture and his fellow representative apologised.

The same week Deputy Rural Development Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamad was spotted breaching social distancing rules by having an impromptu birthday party. He defended the gathering by saying a group of people had turned up at his house as a surprise and he “didn’t want to chase them away”.

Deputy Rural Development Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamad, right, at his impromptu birthday party. Photo: Internet

Other politicians who have breached the lockdown rules include the chief minister of the state of Terengganu, who was required to give a statement to police after visiting a volunteer food distribution centre, and Economic Affairs Minister Mustapa Mohamed, who tweeted about returning to his constituency in another state to visit people, then deleted the tweet after being roundly criticised. Inter-state travel, unless for emergencies, is prohibited under the lockdown.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x