KOTA KINABALU – Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking suspects that Sabah will get only a small number of CanSino vaccines from the three million doses that Malaysia is receiving.
Leiking urged Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor to reveal the exact number of CanSino vaccines that Sabah will receive following Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s assurance that the state will be given priority for CanSino vaccine distribution.
Leiking said Sabah needs to know the exact figure of the vaccine that will arrive the state as Sarawak is rumoured to hold state polls by October this year, which will result in Sabah receiving fewer vaccine doses.
“Our legitimate concern is that, in the absence of a public confirmation from both the federal and state government as to the exact amount to be reserved and sent for/to Sabah, we may end up receiving a number that does not reflect the real promise of ‘prioritising Sabah’.
“This is in reference to how many doses will be given to Sabah unless the said ‘priority to Sabah’ actually means ‘first delivered to Sabah’ before any other states,” he said in a statement today.
“Sabah has had the unfortunate experience of being the least prioritised state and it is a no-brainer that any ‘promise’ or ‘priority’ is taken with a lot (of grains) of salt!
“Sabahans are frustrated, and it is no wonder that Sabah’s political and non-political leaders are venting their dissatisfaction over the vaccination process and slow action,” he added.
No need for PPV dress codes
Meanwhile, commenting on a proposed dress code for vaccination centres (PPVs), he said that there was no need for the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force to come out with dress codes for people to adhere to when they come to be vaccinated.
“There are already existing laws that deal with what is legally decent and that is enough so what is wrong with wearing sleeveless shirts, T-shirts, skirts, or jeans, as long as it is not indecent.
“Sadly, there is a growing number of ‘moral police’ who seem to impose their views upon others, and those who come up with this ridiculous proposal are discriminating people’s right to be decently comfortable in their dressing,” he said.
The Penampang MP said such codes are not important as the priority is to get people vaccinated and save lives.
“Turning people away just because they do not adhere to the dress code is morally and ethically wrong.
“As long as there are no violations of the law laid down on decency, any clothing worn by any person will not in any way causes any problem either for himself, herself or the people inside the PPVs.
“The dress code does not in any way affect the vaccination process and PPVs should do away with such unnecessary policies, which ultimately hinder the goal to vaccinate all citizens,” Leiking said. –The Vibes, July 25, 2021