According to Utusan Malaysia, the opposition made their call at the end of a sitting in which Akmal had been grilled on Covid-19 preparations should the number of cases continue to rise in Perak.

Asmuni Awi (Amanah-Manjoi) said Akmal had failed to answer questions from the floor and only read from a prepared text.

“We want to know what the state government is doing to address Covid-19 but it is clear he does not know what to do as the health exco. When we questioned his role, he did not respond and this led to tension in the house.

“There are many instances where he failed to go down to the ground. He must help the menteri besar, visit vaccination centres, look at what is needed in hospitals, check on the welfare of frontliners, but we do not see him doing any of those things, only the menteri besar does.”

Asmuni said that Akmal should resign if he does not know how to do his job and let someone else take over.

Howard Lee (DAP-Pasir Pinji) meanwhile accused Akmal of trying to pass the buck by stating in his wrap-up that the state’s Covid-19 taskforce was chaired by the menteri besar and the state secretary.

Lee said it was clear that Akmal would not answer questions posed by assemblymen.

“Why can’t he just admit his weaknesses, failure and apologise. We are ready to forgive him and work together.

“Not only did he fail to apologise, but when we asked why he did not go down to the ground, he said he would do so if he was invited by the menteri besar.”

Lee said he had never heard of an exco man having to wait for an invitation from the menteri besar before doing his own job.

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