Is There A Courthouse Cluster Following Najib's Solidarity Gathering?

Good news! There were no reports of Covid-19 infections linked to the gathering outside the KL High Court during Datuk Seri Najib Razak's SRC International trial about 2 weeks ago.

So far, the Health Ministry has only seen cases linked to the Hari Raya Aidiladha visits, such as the Sivagangga, Kurau and Meranti clusters.

67 yr old Najib Razak has arrived as supporters cheered . Many are kept outside Duta court complex as only those with valid passes are allowed in. Social distancing is non existence . Many aren’t even wearing masks 😷 #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Vvex7331u7

— Melissa Goh (@MelGohCNA) July 28, 2020

Earlier, several quarters had voiced their concerns over the courthouse gathering that was attended by thousands, as there had been no attempt at physical distancing.

Even Health Director General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was concerned about the group of 'Bossku' supporters at the KL courthouse on July 28.

Sudah terang lagi bersuluh setiap hari Kementerian Kesihatan mengingatkan rakyat Malaysia untuk patuh kepada SOP untuk penjarakan selamat sekurang-kurangnya 1 meter, memakai pelitup separuh muka dan kerap cuci tangan. Sedih bila melihat keadaan begini tiada kawalan kendiri.

— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) July 28, 2020

Many pointed out that the mass gathering was against the new normal and that some of the supporters were not even wearing face masks.

Photo via Astro Awani

It was earlier reported that over 1,000 people had gathered from as early as 6 am to show support for Datuk Seri Najib.

Police had also issued warnings for the crowd of supporters to abide by COVID-19 guidelines or to disperse.

Following the trial, 67-year old Najib was found guilty of 7 chargers for abuse of power and misappropriating over RM42 million in relation to SRC International. 

By: Roshini Ravindran