GEORGE TOWN – Penang health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin said she is unsure of the reasons behind former chief minister Lim Guan Eng’s constant criticism of the state government’s Covid-19 handling.
She told The Vibes that she has addressed every question posed by Lim, submitting her answers to the state Pakatan Harapan leadership.
“I am surprised that Lim continues to bring up issues that I have answered.
“Fighting Covid-19 does not lie on the shoulders of one person, but everyone’s, before we can see a positive outcome from this nightmare.”
In a statement yesterday, Lim slammed the state government and Dr Norlela for being naive and blindly following Putrajaya’s wishes when it comes to tackling the pandemic.
“The state government, particularly the health exco, can no longer be so naive as to blindly follow the wishes of the federal government at the expense of either the lives or health of Penangites.
“The federal government must wake up from its slumber and pour resources and manpower into Penang Hospital given its current limitations, where the system has broken down, in order to protect the safety of staff and patients.”
He said Penang folk want a concerted effort by the state administration “to make up for the defects, failures and weaknesses of the federal government”.
“Blindly following the federal government and trusting their false promises is no longer an option.
“I wish to remind state government leaders who defend the policy of blindly following the failed federal government that such inaction is a gross disservice to the lives and livelihoods of the people of Penang that we have committed to protect.”
Earlier, it was reported that Penang Hospital surgeons are seeking guidelines to address the surge in Covid-19 patients.
Parts of the hospital have been converted into coronavirus wards and intensive care units. More chairs and tents have also been sent to the facility for patients waiting in long queues outside its emergency department. – The Vibes, September 9, 2021
