KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has yet to receive formal requests from state governments on the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines, despite Selangor and Sarawak having made known their intentions.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in a statement refuted allegations by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the federal government is stonewalling efforts by states to procure their own jabs.
He said he has responded positively to the Selangor and Sarawak governments’ intentions to purchase their own supply.
“During my discussions with the Selangor menteri besar, he verbally informed me about Selangor’s plans to procure their own vaccines. I gave them a positive response.
“However, until now, I have yet to receive any formal requests from the state government.”
On Sarawak, Khairy said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas was told that Putrajaya has enough doses to support the state’s vaccination programme.
“He (Uggah) also requested for state governments to procure their own jabs. I gave a similarly positive response, with the condition that the vaccines bought must be registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency.”
With regard to Anwar’s demand for an independent investigation to be conducted, under the purview of Parliament, into the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme and vaccine procurement, Khairy said he is always open to being questioned, criticised and investigated.
“I want to remind the opposition leader that a number of procurement contracts have already been revealed by me to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on January 5, including the delivery schedule and price paid.
“Among the PAC members who attended was Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.”
Khairy said he had a feedback session with opposition MPs on March 19, where he explained in depth the implementation of the national vaccination drive and answered various questions.
“The opposition leader did not attend that session. My hope is that the opposition leader will continue following the implementation of the immunisation programme and provide wise criticism for me to reply to.” – The Vibes, April 21, 2021
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