PETALING JAYA: Politicians are allowed to carry out their duties to serve the

rakyat during the movement control order (MCO) but they must strictly follow
the standard operating procedures set, a senior minister said.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said politicians, like MPs and state
assemblymen, have to continue serving the people, attending to their needs.

However, he said they are not allowed to organise feasts and have an
entourage following them during their visits.

“Two or three are enough,” Ismail added, with social distancing observed.

As for food distribution, he said everyone is encouraged to give food to the

frontliners, like voluntary corps.

Ismail was responding to social media reports of elected representatives and at

least one deputy minister organising feasts and gatherings, sitting close to each
other.

Ismail said police had called up these government representatives, found to be

apparently breaching the MCO, for an explanation.

“I would like to inform that no one will escape the law if they go against the
MCO.

“The next course of action will depend on the police,” he said during his daily
press conference today, adding that it was not true that police were practising
double standards in their enforcement of the MCO.

Yesterday, Ismail had said police would take action against anyone flouting the
MCO rules, including VIPs.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador yesterday denied allegations

that the police had given certain parties, including dignitaries, special
permission to move around during the MCO.

“We have received several police reports on the matter and further
investigations will be carried out including calling on the individuals involved to
get their explanation.”
He said he had never been contacted by anyone for the “privilege” of making
any trips during the MCO.

He said volunteer groups had been reminded to obtain permission from the
National Security Council before carrying out charity work during the MCO.

He said NGOs, the private sector, government agencies or departments and

ministries need to obtain permission to carry out any activities.