Malaysia

8-month wait to inoculate most M’sians shows PN’s priority: Xavier

Kuala Langat MP questions whether this means national emergency will continue until year-end

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 15 Jan 2021 5:21PM

8-month wait to inoculate most M’sians shows PN’s priority: Xavier
Kuala Langat MP Xavier Jayakumar says government leaders should quit if they are unable to contain Covid-19. – The Vibes file pic, January 15, 2021

by Arjun Mohanakrishnan

KUALA LUMPUR – The government is only interested in holding on to power, said Kuala Langat MP Xavier Jayakumar, as there is a clear lack of effort to make early preparations for the Covid-19 vaccine.

He said this in response to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s announcement that a majority of the population will receive the immunisation only by the third quarter of the year.

“Instead, they have been far more interested in holding on to power than in paying attention to the welfare of the people,” said the PKR leader in a Facebook post today.

He questioned whether the national emergency will continue until year-end, given that most Malaysians will only get the jab in eight months’ time.

“Now that KJ has come out to say that most Malaysians will only get access to the vaccine in Q3 of 2021, some eight months from now, it is as if to say that the emergency will continue to the end of the year, while the nation suffers due to your incompetence.”

He urged the Perikatan Nasional administration to focus on the nation’s well-being and halt their politicking.

If government leaders are unable to contain the pandemic, he said, they should resign.

“This is completely unacceptable, and shows a gross lack of urgency and planning. PN should stop politicking and concentrate on the well-being of the nation.

“If this government is not capable of handling the situation, it should resign, as it is very clear that it no longer holds the majority in Parliament.”

Khairy today said the vaccination programme will prioritise frontliners and high-risk groups, with the rest of the population expected to be inoculated by August.

The Rembau MP said Singapore received vaccines earlier due its bigger budget and smaller population size, while Indonesia has conducted Phase 3 clinical trials for the Sinovac vaccine. – The Vibes, January 15, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

Covid-19 cases in Malaysia stable, no deaths recorded this year – MOH

Malaysia / 3mth

Bad move to channel EPF dividends into Account 3 for festive withdrawals, cautions economist

Opinion / 7mth

A tale of two administrations: How Warisan and GRS shaped Sabah’s future

Malaysia / 1y

MOH closely monitoring Covid-19 amid rising cases in neighbouring countries

Opinion / 1y

The Trump dilemma and reclaiming balance: The urgent need for fair global trade

Culture & Lifestyle / 1y

Renowned public health expert honoured at award ceremony in Penang

Spotlight

Business

Tycoon Vincent Tan trims BCorp stake further in RM115m share sale

Malaysia

UMNO’s solo gamble in Johor: A show of strength or risky miscalculation?

By The Vibes Says

Malaysia

Nik Aziz’s grandson allegedly slapped by senator: Father ready to take case to court

Malaysia

Lorry driver jailed a day, fined for making obscene gestures, dangerous driving (video)

Malaysia

PKR leader defends MyKhas access suspension for PJ, Subang MPs, cites ‘political choices’

Opinion

Social media set to dominate Johor polls as election kingmaker

Malaysia

Man charged in Butterworth parang attack case that left victim fearing permanent disability

Malaysia

Teen mothers must return to school, says Fadhlina as education remains priority

Malaysia

Penang water tariffs to increase from July 1 after year-long deferment

You may be interested

Malaysia

MITI: Malaysia rejects forced labour claims as US Section 301 tariff proposal enters consultation phase

Malaysia

Woman jailed over abduction, extortion and forced nudity case as three admit guilt

Malaysia

TNB central to Malaysia’s “just transition” as AI boom drives energy demand surge

Malaysia

Sarawak seeks China collaboration to fix growing doctor shortage

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

NS election speculation intensifies as Aminuddin granted audience with state ruler

Malaysia

Azam Baki denies threat allegations after giving statement to police

Malaysia

JPJ probes couple ‘manja’ incident in car, summons to be issued (video)

Malaysia

Police looking for trio involved in violent armed robbery in Penang (video)