Double standard: MUDA fined for “failing to observe social distance”

27 Oct 2021

By Farah Salim

MELAKA: A 10-minute press conference in an open space clearly with social distance observed, yet the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) was slapped with RM4,000 for failing to comply with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Its president Syed Saddiq who deemed the act “double standard” now called for justice to be served. He said, the government bloc too held a press conference, in an enclosed space and no social distance, yet no action was taken.

He uploaded a 22-second video on his Twitter showing UMNO President Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his delegates clad in their blue uniforms, surrounded by dozens of crowds.

It was a scene when UMNO-Barisan Nasional launched its machinery for the Malacca polls, believed to have taken place since morning to night.

“MUDA’s press conference observed SOP, five individuals with face masks, adhered to social distancing, did not take more than 10 minutes = RM4,000 compound.

“UMNO BN launched machinery, (in a) big hall, packed with large crowds, failed to observe social distancing, morning to night = No action taken.

“The Malaccans have to punish this arrogant party!” Syed Saddiq said in his tweet.

Syed Saddiq held the press conference earlier today to announce that MUDA would, for the first time ever, contest in the coming Malacca polls under the opposition bloc’s ticket.

Not long after that, his secretary-general Amira Aisya revealed that one of MUDA members was called in by the cops for the compound.

Prior to the press conference, she said the party has contacted the police to get a permission which was granted given that they abide by the Covid-19 preventive measures.

She explained that MUDA members even met with the authorities right before the press conference and were told they could proceed with it.

Enraged netizens deemed that such an act shouts nothing more but double standards that have been practiced by elite politicans in Malaysia, and want the authorities to do what’s right.