Guan Eng let fly at DAP-led Penang over vaccination delays

GEORGE TOWN – Lim Guan Eng lashed out at the DAP-led state government for failing to speak out against the vaccination drive delay in Penang.

This is the first time that the former chief minister has taken a critical stance against the state government.

The DAP secretary-general said he is disappointed that the One Hope Charity vaccination centre (PPV) has stopped administering shots due to a vaccine supply shortage from last week.

“During this critical vaccination juncture, Pakatan Harapan-elected representatives must boldly speak up to make up for the state officials who have failed to put the rakyat’s interest first,” he said, adding that the Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre PPV has also stopped administering second doses due supply disruption.

National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had previously said Malaysia is on track to fully vaccinate 50% of its adult population by month-end.

While Penang’s target is to fully vaccinate 100% of its adult population by next month, residents want the target achieved much earlier – before month-end.

“There is no reason for the delay when the Klang Valley has already achieved 104.2% (fully vaccinated folk), compared with Penang’s 69.5% on August 14,” said Lim.

“However, Malaysians would like to be informed about the impact of the current shortage of vaccine supply. The lack of mobile PPVs in some state constituencies has also raised questions of double standards.

“This is not the performance that will enable the immunisation programme to achieve 100% adult population receiving their first dose in Penang before Merdeka.”

People are also unhappy with the silence from the relevant authorities, he added.

“While the federal government may be more concerned about political problems, state government officials must step up to fill in the gap during this period.

“At a time when daily Covid-19 infections are still high in Penang, at 1,111, with a record 24 deaths, there is a desperate demand for vaccines.

“The public is angry when their vaccination appointment is deferred or suspended.”

So far, four PPVs have been closed to second-dose recipients – Balik Pulau Sports Complex, Balai Rakyat Bayan Baru, Tapak Pesta in Sg Nibong and Dewan Millennium in Kepala Batas.

Lim said the lack of accountability and transparency, and poor governance are the reasons why the Perikatan Nasional government failed under the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“That is why the total lockdown and emergency proclamation emphasising centralisation and opaque policies have caused a surge in Covid-19 infections and deaths, exceeding 1.4 million and 12,510, respectively.”

State officials have declined to comment on the outburst. – The Vibes, August 16, 2021