Source: Ismail Sabri, Azmin duelled over last-minute Miti takeover, liquor factories
A highly placed Putrajaya source has confirmed speculation about friction between Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his colleague Azmin Ali of the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).
The disagreement was allegedly over an eleventh-hour change that required businesses from all sectors to seek Miti’s permission if they wanted to operate during the total lockdown period.
Arguments between them during a recent cabinet meeting were also sparked by how alcoholic beverage factories were allowed to remain open, said the source.
“From what I understand, there was a bit of tension during the cabinet meeting between the senior ministers of defence and economy.
“This stemmed from Miti’s last-minute move to control all applications to operate during the lockdown.
“After that, (the tension) increased when liquor companies were allowed to operate during the lockdown. Ismail Sabri eventually ordered them to close,” the source told Malaysiakini today.
Elaborating, the source said Ismail Sabri was “disappointed” at Miti’s attempt to take over the approval process.
“Each ministry was originally given a task to issue permission letters, but at the last minute this (authority) was given to Miti.
“Ismail Sabri was disappointed at this because it made things difficult for the rakyat,” they said.
Miti has since come under fire for its approval application mechanism, dubbed the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS 3.0).
Malaysiakini previously reported that some non-essential services got approved but essential sectors such as food and beverage outlets were struggling with the unstable CIMS 3.0 website.
Earlier today, Azmin “noted” the complaints but said it was not the sole arbiter of the approvals system.
Cryptic front door
Yesterday, Ismail Sabri had set social media abuzz when he posted a photograph of himself closing the door of his office with the caption “I have closed the front door but…” and a dejected-looking emoji.
This sparked chatter that the Umno lawmaker wanted to signal his dissatisfaction over how many factories had been given approvals to operate.
He later downplayed the significance of his cryptic post.
Azmin, meanwhile, urged the public to stop speculating on the matter.
He denied any friction with Ismail Sabri and said he was supporting his fellow cabinet members in carrying out their responsibilities.
Ismail Sabri is the face of the government’s efforts to enforce Covid-19 standard operating procedures and security measures. He holds broadcasted press conferences several times a week. - Mkini
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