PETALING JAYA: I am extremely disappointed with those who politicise the immunisation programme when I have always kept a good relationship with them, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic).
In a virtual media conference, Khairy said that the accusation levelled against him by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng that the Federal Government is blocking vaccine purchase by Penang state government is baseless and irresponsible.
“If there is any party which wants to acquire vaccines, I welcome them, but vaccines are a controlled item, not buying T-shirts at Shopee. This is buying vaccines which need the approval of the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
“Do not politicise the national immunisation programme with this rubbish. This is bogus but I am willing to be proven wrong.
“If the Penang government can prove that this offer from this ‘Yong Chee Kong’ is genuine, I will give immediate approval for these vaccines to be brought into the country.
“I do not want to politicise this matter as was done by Lim, as I have always given my full and best of cooperation to all state governments, including those of Selangor, Sabah, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Sarawak.
“I have always adopted a very open attitude to assist if they want to buy vaccines.
“However, as I stated, the Federal Government’s reservations for the vaccines must be prioritised.
“If there are offers for state government and as such, I will support it but they must understand that their reservations will only be fulfilled after the vaccines for Federal Government immunisation programme has been filled which is free for all.
“We have enough supply of vaccines and we can complete the immunisation programme by the end of this year,” said Khairy.
More to come
