Amid almost universal backlash from Malaysians regarding his action of breaking quarantine, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Dato’ Khairuddin Aman Razali iterated that he would not resign from his post as minister.
This is because he said he didn’t do anything wrong pertaining to his job as a member of the government’s cabinet.
As reported by Malaysiakini, the minister who did not fulfil the mandatory 14-days after coming back from Turkey was quoted of saying:
“I did not do anything wrong in regard to my job, it only involved an error over the issue of the SOPs.”
This statement came after Khairuddin was summoned by the police to Bukit Aman to record his statement in regards to his breach of quarantine. The Malaysian Royal Police have also recorded statements from 3 of Khairuddin’s family members who are believed to also travel with him to Turkey.
Speaking to the media in Slim River, in which he attended to help with the campaigning for the constituency’s by-election, Khairuddin commented,
“I have my own view but I let the police (to probe). The Health Ministry had also issued a statement. For me, it’s solved, although I have my own view,”
The controversial minister also revealed that the trip to Turkey was a ‘semi-official’ trip which includes a project negotiation involving Terengganu which had yet to be solved when he was entrusted with the portfolio.
Source: Harian Metro & Astro Awani
For his action of breaking quarantine, Khairuddin was compounded RM1,000 by the Ministry of Health, the highest amount possible by the ministry. However, there is a separate ongoing investigation by the police regarding the breach of quarantine protocol which may see Khairuddin facing heavier punishment.
What do you guys think of Khairuddin’s comments? Is he justified in his view that his breaching of quarantine does not justify a resignation as it doesn’t involve his job scope?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Skipping Quarantine & Nine Other Times Politicians Kantoi For Breaking The Law
