Ismail Sabri Downplays Cryptic Post Azmin Wants Door Shut On Speculations

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Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has offered a rather implausible explanation for his cryptic social media posting which set tongues wagging.
Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali urged the public not to speculate on the matter.
Speculation was rife that Ismail’s “I closed the front door but...” post reflected the minister’s frustration over scores of factories being allowed to operate during the lockdown.
However, he claimed there were no concealed meanings in his message or the photograph depicting him shutting his office door.
“I was leaving after work, so I closed the door,” he told a press conference today.
Currently, there are 17 essential services allowed to remain open during the “total lockdown” period.
Factories providing goods critical to the supply chain are allowed to operate but must do so with a reduced workforce, in some cases down to 10 percent.
However, critics claimed that more factories should be barred from operating because government data showed that the manufacturing sector contributed the most Covid-19 cases so far.




International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported how non-essential services are slipping through the International Trade and Industry Ministry’s (Miti) vetting process.
One business owner from an east coast state took to social media stating that his photography studio received the ministry's CIMS 3.0 approval.
The man told Malaysiakini that he decided to submit an application after becoming curious upon learning that some non-essential businesses obtained the green light.
“This includes a friend who is involved in manufacturing shoes on a small scale. So, I decided to give it a try and see if I can get approval too.
“My first attempt was yesterday morning and I was unsuccessful. But when I tried again last night, my application was approved and I received the latest approval letter from Miti.
“So I just want to ask the authorities, how can this happen? We are in a total lockdown, and we want to be free from Covid-19,” he added.
In another case, Malaysiakini was alerted by a whistleblower that a leather furniture company in Klang, Selangor obtained their CIMS 3.0 letter on May 31.
Azmin: We work as a team
Meanwhile, Azmin, according to Sinar Harian, said Ismail and him as well as the other ministers are working as a team to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Who is speculating? Don’t speculate (on the social media post).

“Ismail Sabri is one of the cabinet ministers entrusted with an important role in managing the Covid-19 problem.
“We have two spokespersons, Ismail Sabri for security issues and health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah for health matters.
“As members of the cabinet, we are giving them sufficient support because they are shouldering immense responsibilities...,” he added.
In a separate statement, Azmin clarified that 15 ministries were responsible for vetting applications through Miti’s CIMS 3.0. - Mkini

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