PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today denied any knowledge of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian's trip to Batam, Indonesia as Pasir Gudang grappled with the aftermath of illegal chemical dumping.
"Did he go? I don't know," Dr Mahathir said when asked today.
Yesterday, Osman visited Batam island to promote the 2020 Visit Johor Year programme.
However, the move did not sit well with Netizens, especially since many in Pasir Gudang, particularly school children became victims of chemical poisoning.
Osman however stressed that the visit was work related which had been scheduled previously.
He said he had handed over his duties temporarily to the state's health, agriculture and environment exco Dr Sahruddin Jamal as well as official representatives to monitor victims' condition.
Asked if he was satisfied with Osman's performance, as the Menteri Besar has been constantly affected by controversies, Dr Mahathir said Osman had his own views, including on the toxic waste pollution issue in Pasir Gudang.
"He has his own views, but at the end of the day, we have the same opinion that there is no need to declare a state of emergency or to panic because we know what we are doing all the right things and handling the situation well," Dr Mahathir told reporters after launching the Federal Territories "Ikon Remaja" programme, here, today.
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also took a swipe at Osman yesterday on social media.
While he did not mention names, Najib highlighted a news report on his toilet breaks in court which he said made it as main news.
"However, an MB took a ferry ride to Batam island, braving the waves while his country was facing a disaster, number of victims increasing, but local press pretended not to see it," Najib remarked.