KUALA LUMPUR – The chairmen of PKR’s state leadership councils (MPN) have urged the government to reopen Parliament and state assemblies to allow elected representatives to play a greater role in combating Covid-19.
In a statement issued after a virtual meeting with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today, the MPN said the move should also include more cooperation at the state, district, and sub-district levels.
“The registration efforts of Covid-19 vaccinations should be supported and mobilised as part of the national immunisation programme to protect ourselves and all from any infection,” it said.
“States should work with elected representatives and relevant agencies so that registration can be expanded, including in rural areas and among vulnerable communities and the elderly.”
MPN also urged the federal and state governments to facilitate and expedite the provision of vaccines, as it found a “large” gap between the number of those registered and those vaccinated.
“There is a large gap between the projected daily administration of 75,000 jabs and the actual figure of 30,000 to 40,000 injections per day.
“In fact, there is a huge gap between the actual number of vaccine doses for the people and the projection by the (Health) ministry, which is a difference of almost 3.6 million doses.”
It said the disparity was explained by Anwar on May 22.
The MPN also said it was aware of complaints related to vaccination centres (PPV) that were reportedly centred around urban areas, such as the AstraZeneca vaccination centre (PPVAZ) for senior citizens in Johor, which is the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Baru.
It said this was the information released by the National Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force. Coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin on May 17 had said the AstraZeneca vaccine would be sent to nursing homes.
The MPN also urged the government to use clear channels and media to relay information to the people effectively and increase the clarity and transparency of the vaccine recipient replacement system if registered recipients failed to attend their appointments.
Moreover, the MPN said the government should reduce any confusion on its policies by determining the appropriate spokespersons for Covid-19, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and vaccines.
It also called for the expansion of vaccination spaces, including increasing PPVs in private hospitals and clinics for better access to people, including in rural areas as well as to reduce red tape in allowing states to acquire their own vaccines.
“The MPN is very concerned about the weakness and sluggishness of the government in addressing Covid-19 and vaccines.
“While the people and businesses continue to be asked to be self-sufficient and vigilant against the epidemic, the government’s failure to understand the real situation of the people could exacerbate the situation.” – The Vibes, May 25, 2021
