YOURSAY | Newly minted DPM should take his own advice

YOURSAY | 'What can Ismail Sabri do as DPM, which he could not as senior minister?'

'Maybe DPM can fix what senior minister couldn't' - Yeoh jabs Ismail Sabri

OCT: Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s promotion to deputy prime minister was not based on merits but based on politics. In fact, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government’s existence was also due to politics as well.

Ismail Sabri’s DPM post is a face-lift of his senior minister post as there are no new responsibilities and duties added to his portfolio. He is still no more than an announcer for MCO (movement control order) and SOP (standard operation procedure).

His SOPs have caused chaos and difficulties for local and foreign investors to operate. All of them are losing millions of ringgit. Confusion reigns. Enforcement is up to different interpretations by different agencies.

Soon foreign investors will relocate, while local investors will just fold up, resulting in huge job losses and a bad image for doing business in Malaysia.

In reality, it's the PN government that is playing politics.

The opposition and many NGOs are doing their best to support the white flag campaign. The PN government condemned them instead of working together to help all, irrespective of race, religion and party. It doesn’t care or sympathise with the poor and suffering rakyat.

Ismail Sabri’s duty as DPM requires him to formulate action plans, deliverables and a timeline in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Can he rise to the occasion? Judging by his track records, I am doubtful.

Meerelzty: After getting an undeserving promotion to DPM, Ismail Sabri is now calling for others to stop politicking and to fight the pandemic.

This whole move of promoting the two Umno leaders (Ismail Sabri and Hishammuddin Hussein) clearly smacks of politicking and yet the DPM has unashamedly told others not to engage in politics.

The PM made the promotions at a critical time when his position was under threat - was he not politicking? And of all people, he promoted Ismail Sabri, who is clueless and lacking the competency to carry out his role as a key cabinet member in fighting Covid-19.

There was even a call for him to be the interim PM by his own party. So, what can he do as DPM that he could not as senior minister?

Just A Malaysian: When you stir the same ingredient, you get the same dish; you just name it differently.

Poppy: Seven months of precious time are wasted on politicking. In those seven months, the virus had a free hand and went on a rampage, resulting in thousands of people dead and millions jobless.

Now, what difference does a new title make? The politicking has not stopped as those in power are more concerned about protecting their own interest.

The approval of Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) is another sign of never-ending political moves being played.

Meanwhile, the people suffer the full brunt of the virus. Not enough beds, oxygen, ICU beds and even a place for the bodies of those who have died. Not enough doctors, specialists, nurses and even medical personnel.

We have the same tired or worn-out medical personnel working long hours to save lives, while those on the top try their best to cover up the real truth about the condition on the ground.

We can only move into Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan if our numbers drop to 4,000 or below. When will that be?

Headhunter: This is a case of ‘bapa politics’ telling others not to play politics. Ask him how he got to be where he is today. Certainly not by sheer intelligence.

Amadeus: Ismail Sabri, the gauntlet has been thrown. Show us your mettle. Clean your own house and then you can talk.

What has PN done so far besides ‘helping’ to spread the virus? Yes, there are some meagre financial aids, but that is not enough.

The rakyat wouldn’t be in this sad state of affairs if not for your own party politicking. Ministers flouting SOPs, International Trade and Industry Ministry allowing factories to operate. Some aren't even essential, such as construction work.

So, what now?

Hrrmph: Whilst Ismail Sabri is at it, he should also do something about the discriminatory, and in some cases, downright nonsensical enforcement of the SOPs.

The enforcers, in handing out summons left and right, seem to have lost their sense of judgment, or maybe they just left their brains at home before going to work.

There are too many stories of unfair penalising for alleged breaches of SOPs which are seemingly plucked from the air.

So many people are suffering from economic hardship, our government could at least ensure the SOPs are not used as cudgels to bully the long-suffering rakyat.

Lionking: Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh, you are being wicked as you very well know that the PN government is bloated with many highly capable ministers.

In fact, Ismail Sabri will save Malaysia soon, although looking at the photo in this news article, it surely does not inspire the confidence we are looking for.

Very soon our economy, which is sputtering at the moment, will rock the tigers in our jungles.

Rest assured that the investments brought in, including kebabs from Turkey by one minister and another minister who is sorting out his visa with Saudi Arabia; he too will bring oil to our shores.

Let’s not forget the frog from Gombak who is also bringing the Vienna orchestra to cheer us all during this difficult time. Happy days are here.

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