Wakil rakyat too is subject to National Security Council's SOP - Ismail Sabri

The people’s representatives or ‘wakil rakyat’ too are subject to the law and standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council (MKN).

According to Senior Minister (Security Cluster), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the decision was made by MKN who did not allow any mass gathering or delegations when providing assistance to the rakyat.

"Representatives of the people are among individuals or groups who are allowed to serve just like government departments that are still carrying out their duties (during the period of the Movement Control Order - MCO).

"For these wakil rakyats, their duty is to protect the interests of the people in their constituencies but they are still subject to the SOP where they cannot convene meetings, banquets, mass gatherings or escorted by big groups.

"There is no need for a motorcade, suffice with just two or three people to follow (the wakil rakyat) to provide food and other assistance.

"As we have decided, it is advisable to use frontliners in their respective areas such as RELA members, the Civil Defence Force (APM) and so on," he said at a press conference here today.

Commenting on pictures of a wakil rakyat holding a banquet during the MCO on social media, Ismail Sabri said it was up to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to take further action on the dignitaries.

"The SOP has been issued and all the Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen must comply with the SOP as stipulated by MKN.

"VVIP related issues were widely circulated in the media yesterday (Saturday) and this morning. No one shall escape legal action if they violate the MCO.

"In the case involving the government, the police have called the individual and I think the next step is up to the police," he said.

At the same time, Ismail Sabri stressed that the police would not hesitate to take action against representatives of the people who defied the MCO just as the people were arrested for the offence.