FOLLOWING the Government’s decision to impose a total lockdown, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged the Government to not allow the International Trade and Industries Ministry (Miti) to have the ultimate power to decide which business can run or otherwise.
“The minister mentioned should not be given veto power to decide on which factories can operate. This will prevent any vested interest from lobbying him for exceptions.
“The lockdown decision was based on public health concerns. Therefore, to allow or disallow any businesses from operating must be based on the same premise,” he said in a Facebook post.
Cowing to massive public uproar, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) yesterday decided to impose a total lockdown nationwide, beginning June 1 to 14.
The Government announced that the full lockdown will be implemented in three phases, where the first phase will be focused on bringing down COVID-19 tally.
Once the first phase is done, the second phase will look into reopening several economic sectors which does not involve large gatherings.
Blanket loan moratorium
The third phase will involve relaxing some restrictions, like the one currently in place.
On that note, Najib reminded the Government that the first 14 days of the full lockdown period was critical in bringing down COVID-19 numbers and urged them to get it right this time.
“And please don’t leave the decision to open select economic sectors at the hands of Miti alone. Get it right this time,” the Pekan MP remarked.
On related matter, Umno supreme council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi lauded the Government’s decision to impose a total lockdown at last.
He added that the public would definitely support the move, as there was already a precedent on how MCO 1.0 managed to contain the pandemic faster.
“At the same time, please extend a blanket ‘loan moratorium’ to all Malaysians. Be firm with the banks on this as the latter keeps making good profits during this tough time,” Puad stated. – May 29, 2021.
