With the sports industry being heavily affected by the pandemic, it is to no doubt that gymnasium owners are down in the dumps over the government’s decision to allow most sectors to be opened, except gymnasiums! When news of gymnasiums being allowed to open in states under Phase Two and Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan, started to make its rounds on major news sites, gym owners and operators have definitely felt a glimmer of hope.
Deputy sports minister Datuk Sri Ti Lian Ker had given the assurance that gym operators will be allowed to resume operations once the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) had been approved by the NSC. After being stuck in the pandemic for over a year, confined in their respective homes, this was such a relief to hear. However, little did they know that this was only a temporary moment of happiness.
Just today, Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has cited that the statement given by Datuk Sri Ti Lian Ker was actually part of a miscommunication. He has then apologised to all gym owners and operators over this. However, he did state that the ministry would push for the reopening of gymnasiums as soon as possible. He said, “I am sorry for the miscommunication. I believe the deputy minister was either misquoted or misinformed. We will do our best to sort this out with the Ministry of Health and the National Security Council (NSC) soon.”
As expected, this piece of news infuriated netizens further with many chiding the minister’s tendency to apologise after every statement that has been made without prior discussion with his fellow department. Here are some comments from netizens pertaining to this matter, from the post shared by Malaysiakini!
Kenneth Yong said, “Check and recheck your facts before any announcement. We, the people are very confused. Please don’t make it worst!”
Adding on to this, Facebook user, NG Wah Boon said, “Mistakes after mistakes, followed by apology after apology. How can ministers be of this quality? Repeated mistakes are totally unacceptable and disgraceful.”
Following the miscommunication between the minister and his deputy, another Facebook user, Angel Yee has questioned Faizal Azumu’s leadership and capabilities.
She has also stated that he should start owning up to his mistakes instead of pointing out to his subordinates.
Making this issue as a banter, Marciano Herrera joked that Faizal Azumu’s portfolio should be changed to the Minister of Apology because he’s always apologizing for something.
Well, we’re pretty sure the general public aren’t really happy with the new cabinet line-up too. Ismail Sabri’s current government is still proving to be a headache to many civilians — causing major disruption in their daily activities.
Since we’re not living in the 1980s, hopefully, the ministers could find some way to liaise efficiently without giving out half-baked statements to the public. Perhaps, WhatsApp would be a great place to start.
Update:
Following the backlash from the public, Faizal Azumu dropped another announcement at 10:24pm that gyms are now allowed to open. The image (attached above) explains what is allowed and what isn’t. However, the public remains skeptical on their inconsistent statements.
MoH issued this guideline. Also encouraged premises to install CO2 monitoring device. pic.twitter.com/qOSKQ5uQDa
— Aysha Ridzuan (@ayshardzn) September 17, 2021
Source: The Vibes
