‘Tough decisions were made while I was working with Ismail Sabri’ - Khairy

SHAH ALAM - Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin reveals that there are many tough decisions he had to make when he was working with former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Khairy said the Bera MP had placed his full trust on the ministers at that time including himself to bring the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The former Umno leader said serving under Ismail Sabri and holding the portfolio of the health minister at that time has its own episode.

"Ismail Sabri had a goal. (he said) "KJ, no more lockdowns. We want to get out from the pandemic at a certain time”.

"I was forced to make many decisions on the standard operating procedure (SOP), quarantine, vaccine and other conditions,” he said in a podcast programme called "Keluar Sekejap” with former Umno youth vice chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan.

Khairy said Ismail Sabri was a firm, determined and trustworthy person in performing his duties as prime minister.

"During) the time I reported to him (Ismail Sabri), he said if this was based on evidence and facts and considered accordingly by the Health Ministry, just go for it.

"He is not only firm, but he is decisive and trustworthy,” Khairy added.