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I REFER to the statement issued by the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) coordinating minister regarding the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) January 5, 2021 proceedings, involving the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee (JKJAV) on the procurement and usage of vaccines in Malaysia.
As a committee member of the PAC, which comprises members from across the political spectrum, I reaffirm that the PAC was satisfied with the explanation made by key members of JKJAV (namely, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti); Health Ministry (MoH), and MoH director-general) – with regard to the procurement process of Covid-19 vaccines, particularly on vaccine pricing and the planned delivery schedule.
As Malaysia continues to suffer the devastating impact of the ongoing pandemic simultaneously on the health and socio-economic front – our focus must always be on the protection and well-being of the rakyat. Achieving 80% herd immunity is one of the main ways to achieve this, along with quick and efficient contact tracing.
The solid beginnings achieved through the PAC session with JKJAV must continue through the immediate reopening of Parliament. The Dewan Rakyat is the watchdog of the executive: a place for the enactment of legislation to protect the rights of the people; to raise and debate on critical issues. It must not be reduced to a vote-casting-cat fight.
In particular, I firmly believe that the PAC proceedings as well as the parliamentary session will provide the much-needed bipartisan space that will allow us to throw our full support to PICK.
The ongoing mudslinging and politicising will serve to create further uncertainties and lend credence to the growing anti-vaxxer movement that is rapidly emerging on social media. It is our joint, bipartisan duty to see this immunisation programme through.
I will be joining the Penang chief minister in his visit to the Vaccination Centre (PPV) at SP Arena, Seberang Jaya next Monday. My service centre alongside many other MPs and ADUNs from both sides of the political divide will continue to work together to assist in the vaccination registration process.
Granted, there are frustrations, and justified criticism on the weaknesses of the country's governance – but it must never negatively impact or hinder the progress of our immunisation programme.
The main focus remains for Malaysia to escape the clutches of the pandemic and achieve the target of 80% herd immunity. – The Vibes, April 22, 2021
Nurul Izzah Anwar is Permatang Pauh MP
