KUALA LUMPUR – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin responded to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s comment that his firm stance against anti-vaxxers “arrogant”, saying that he remains unmoved.
In a tweet today, the Rembau MP said that he will remain firm on this issue and does not mind even if critics were to call him “dajjal” (false messiah) or anything else.
“To say that the government has failed to provide enough explanation on the vaccine is totally incorrect.
“We have provided all scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine from the beginning. And we will continue to do so,” he tweeted today.
Nak kata kerajaan tidak cukup bagi penerangan tentang vaksin tidak betul. Kita dah kemukakan segala bukti saintifik tentang keberkesanan vaksin COVID-19 dari awal lagi. Dan kita terus memberi penerangan.
— Khairy Jamaluddin ??? (@Khairykj) October 18, 2021
I’m sorry I have to be firm on this issue. Call me dajjal or whatever. https://t.co/eSPsByvQ7Z
His response comes after Anwar said yesterday that the government should not threaten or impose punitive measures against those hesitant about getting vaccinated or who are entirely opposed to it.
Anwar had said that the health minister should use relevant facts and evidence in order to change their minds.
“This is as opposed to using ‘sombong’ (arrogant) means to coerce them to get vaccinated.”
He said that although he does not support the anti-vaccine movement, its proponents sometimes put forth strong arguments.
On Saturday, Khairy said the government is considering the possibility of weekly Covid-19 tests for those who refuse the jab.
He said although vaccination is not mandatory, the government is mulling “making life difficult” for those who opt against getting the shot without medical reasons for their decision. – The Vibes, October 18, 2021
