Group turns to constitution as defence in fight against Covid-19 jab

KOTA KINABALU – A group of Covid-19 vaccine-hesitant individuals is citing Article 5 and 8 of the federal constitution, among others, to justify not getting inoculated.

The group’s members said their refusal largely stems from “the non-scientific proof given that the vaccine shots will be 100% effective”.

Article 5 refers to the liberty of the person, stating that “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with law”. Article 8 touches on equality and states that all persons are entitled to equal protection under the law.

“The lack of scientific evidence on vaccine efficacy is mostly why I refuse to take the jab,” said one member who only wanted to be known as Nathan, who hails from Papar, Sabah. 

Another member, who wanted to be known only as John, said he is worried as most of his friends who had taken the vaccine began suffering from bronchial asthma, while one of them, he alleged, died after receiving the jab.

John, 61, said he himself suffered from a list of ailments, and fears that the side effects of the dose will be fatal.

“Most of my friends got asthma and experienced shortness of breath after getting vaccinated. One of my friends died from this, and this is why I refuse to be vaccinated.”

He said most of the group members were not against being vaccinated but are fearful of its side effects. 

“I have nine children and all of them have been vaccinated. Only me and my wife, who also has many ailments, refuse to get the jabs.

“It is not that I don’t want the shots but I am afraid of the complications after getting vaccinated,” said John, who is from Ranau.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that a businesswoman from Ranau is challenging the authorities’ rule against allowing businesses to operate by individuals who have not completed their vaccinations. 

Naomi @ Neomi Francis, 55, who runs a food and catering business at Pasar Besar Ranau, some 201km from here, has filed a judicial review against the government order.

The law came into force in Sabah on September 21. 

Like her peers, Naomi said she is not an anti-vaxxer, saying that her family members have been vaccinated, except for her and her husband. 

Meanwhile, The Vibes sighted at least three WhatsApp groups dedicated to those refusing to be vaccinated, with one defending its stand based on religious reasons, and the other two on grounds of free will.

Articles on the downside of getting the vaccines – from scientific to religious reasons – are widely shared in the groups that cumulatively have more than 500 members. – The Vibes, September 29, 2021

Additional reporting by Rebecca Chong