JOHOR BARU: Concern over the rising number of Covid-19 cases, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has decreed a meeting be held involving all state MPs and assemblymen to find ways to curb the pandemic.
“Government administrators, including all MPs and assemblymen, must play a role to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and at the same time, those affected must be given assistance, ” Sultan Ibrahim said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page yesterday.
The Ruler said he was aware that the Emergency Ordinance, which is currently imposed, prevented any parliamentary and state assembly meetings from being held.
“However, I feel the services of MPs and state assemblymen should be mobilised to help the people affected by the pandemic.
“I called for a meeting to be held involving all MPs and assemblymen from the state, to be chaired by Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, ” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim said that through the discussion, MPs and assemblymen could give their views and suggestions to curb the pandemic and solve the problems faced by “Bangsa Johor”.Panti assemblyman Hahasrin Hashim said he welcomed the decree.
“There has been a major spike in new cases and the people are getting worried.
“We need to find a balanced solution in addressing both Covid-19 and economic needs, ” he added.
Hahasrin said he would leave it to Hasni and the state government to find a proper way to organise the meeting in view of the movement control order.
Bukit Batu assemblyman Jimmy Puah, who is also state PKR deputy chairman, said it was a wise move by Sultan Ibrahim due to the present situation.
He called upon Hasni and the state government to immediately set a date for the meeting.
In a statement, Hasni said the meeting involving all MPs and assemblymen from the state would be held next week.
“The points brought up during the upcoming meeting will be forwarded to the National Security Council.
“I would like to assure the people that we would continue to beef up and strengthen all efforts by the state and Federal Government in curbing the pandemic, ” he said.
Hasni said this included upgrading the capacity at low-risk Covid-19 quarantine and treatment centres as well as vaccination centres.
He said despite the Emergency, state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani and state legal adviser Amir Nasruddin would ensure that the meeting proceeded smoothly.
“I am confident that with the wisdom of Sultan Ibrahim, the meeting can help Johor control the spread of Covid-19 more quickly and effectively, ” he said.
